Pilot programme launched by Mundy to promote a career in travel wraps upPilot programme launched by Mundy to promote a career in travel wraps up

The brainchild of Matthew and Edwina Lonsdale of Mundy Cruising, The Compass Project resulted from their work with St John Bosco College in Battersea and Cruise Lines International Association, and aimed at enabling sixth-form students from socially diverse backgrounds in the UK to learn more about travel and associated career opportunities. 

Ten A-level students at St John Bosco College were involved in the two-month initiative, which included eight off-site days supported by cruise brands and organisations. Students had the opportunity to go aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Anthem of the Seas and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Splendor in Southampton. The days were additionally supported by AmaWaterways, Celebrity Cruises, Cruise Britain, Port of Dover, Explora Journeys, Maritime UK, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises,  P&O Cruises, Portland Port and Silversea Cruises. 

Two classroom days were hosted by a training and development consultant.

The project culminated yesterday with the participating students making a presentation on ‘Why I would recommend a friend to apply for a job in cruise’ to an invited audience including cruise industry representatives.

‘A huge success’ 

Edwina Lonsdale, MD of Mundy Cruising, said the project communicated her passion for the industry to the next generation and shed light on the vast array of opportunities the business offers. She stated, ‘During the planning stages, we couldn’t have begun to imagine what an energising and inspiring experience this would be. The students have been engaged and charming, and the time and commitment from so many individuals within the cruise industry has been extraordinary.’ 

Students shared their fondest memories and learnings during their concluding presentations on July 6. Some key takeaways included gaining insight into how the corporate world works through a visit to Royal Caribbean headquarters, expanding their knowledge around jobs across the industry and the varied offerings of different cruise brands, and seeing first-hand industry efforts to drive sustainable innovation. 

Andy Harmer, MD at CLIA UK and Ireland, added, ‘The cruise industry is a vibrant, innovative, and inspiring place to work, and thanks to all the students’ hard work, they now represent a talented pool of applicants who are ready to take their first employment steps. 

‘The Compass Project has been a huge success and we’re looking forward to seeing the opportunities it now opens up for our first student cohort, as well as the longer-term plans for the initiative itself. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone involved.’  

Step II 

The next initiative will build on the project to explore the creation of apprenticeships, work experience and intern job opportunities.

‘The maritime industry offers a host of fantastic benefits so it’s amazing to see the Compass Project highlighting them to a new generation of mariners,’ remarked Maritime Minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton. ‘Not only is it an exciting sector filled with incredible career opportunities and possibilities, but it plays a vital role in growing the UK economy and carrying passengers right across the globe.’ 

St John Bosco College hopes to re-introduce the programme during the next academic year as part of its year 12 curriculum, and plans are in place to expand the project via a Southampton-based college.

St John Bosco's head teacher Paul Dunne commented, ‘We were very excited to have the opportunity to build this innovative and exciting partnership with different companies from within the cruise industry, and are delighted at how much our students have enjoyed and learned from their experiences on The Compass Project. This is definitely a project that we will continue to support and invest in as part of our commitment to preparing our young people for life beyond the classroom.’