Windermere Lake Cruises, one of the UK’s most popular paid for attractions, has joined forces with PHX Training as the two businesses aim to create better opportunities for staff and new recruits.
Through PHX’s Skills Bootcamp, which supports longer term unemployed and those struggling to get back into the workplace, Windermere Lake Cruises has successfully recruited two new fixed-term team members.
Anyone aged 19 and above is eligible to sign up for these fully funded bootcamps which offer flexible training that can be completed at times that are agreeable to the participants. Training can be both in-person or online and at the end of six weeks not only is there a qualification to be gained, but in the case of Windermere Lake Cruises, all those who complete the course are guaranteed an interview.
Debbie Hooper, Head of HR for Windermere Lake Cruises said: “For those who’ve been out of employment for extended periods, there is often a fear of the unknown and lack of confidence when it comes to getting back into the work environment. By guaranteeing all participants an interview, we are giving a chance to those who may otherwise be overlooked.”
Furthermore, Windermere Lake Cruises and PHX Training are also working together to boost the skills of those already employed by the cruise company. These funded training courses aim to lift the skills of those already in work by taking on a Level 3 hospitality business management course.
Debbie continued: “We want all our staff, seasonal and permanent, to have the opportunity to raise their game and improve their skills and knowledge. These courses give them the tools required to progress their future and gain valuable on-the-job additional training.”
Sharon Hill from PHX Training said: “We recently had the pleasure of delivering a Skills Bootcamp in Hospitality to a great group of learners from a variety of backgrounds. They approached their coursework with remarkable engagement and commitment, overcoming personal challenges along the way to successfully complete the programme. I couldn’t be prouder of their achievements.
It was a real privilege to work in partnership with Windermere Lake Cruises. With incredible support from Debbie and Sapphy, who not only interviewed several of our learners but also supported the delivery of a Level 3 Hospitality Team Leading course to their current staff, we were able to showcase the company’s commitment to developing their teams. Giving staff the chance to upskill in their roles is a fantastic way to invest in people, and we were thrilled to be part of that journey.”
Amongst those to have completed the in-house training is Alisha Bath who works at the Pier Café for Windermere Lake Cruises. Alisha said, “I wanted to take the opportunity to better myself, so when the chance came to join one of these courses I took it. As someone already working in a supervisor position, I felt it was a great opportunity to strengthen the skills I use every day. Since achieving the new qualification, I’ve found I’m much better equipped to cope with the pressures that can come from working in the café. The course has really supported me in my supervisory role, helping me handle everything from tricky customer situations to stock management and rotation, while also building essential life skills that I use both at work and beyond.”
Also benefiting from the PHX Skill Bootcamp are Stef and Luke, two of a larger group who took on the bootcamp after finding themselves out of work. The pair successfully completed the training and interview process recently and were successfully offered positions at Windermere Lake Cruises, joining the seasonal team.
Stef said: “Doing the Skills Bootcamp in Hospitality course with PHX Training has reignited my enjoyment of learning new skills. I found it a very welcoming and supportive learning environment. The team were very supportive with the help in finding job opportunities that are catered to my preferences i.e. working outdoors, this has led to my new role with Windermere Lakes Cruises where I will use my news skills gained from Skills Bootcamp.”
This new initiative is just one of a number of incentives Windermere Lake Cruises is trailing, as the company seeks to offer greater support to those seeking meaningful work in Cumbria. The company is also working with Westmorland & Furness Council to help support workers.
For more information about Windermere Lake Cruises and job opportunities visit https://www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk/about-us/working-for-us
Skills Bootcamps are part of the UK Governments ‘Lifetime Skills Guarantee’ funded via Enterprising Cumbria
