Isles of Scilly Steamship Group | Careers Booklet

Careers

Information & Guidance

Steamship I S L E S O F S C I L LY

G RO U P

Isles of Scilly

Steamship Group

About Isles of Scilly Steamship Group A century after we were founded, our purpose is still the same. We’re here to provide the Isles of Scilly with the lifeline transport they need.

In 1920, the people of the islands came together to form a company to deliver a reliable transport link to the mainland – and the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group (ISSG) was born.

Fast-forward to today. We transport hundreds of thousands of passengers, deliver luggage and carry freight. We operate planes, ships and an airport.

Our company is at the forefront of innovation and pioneering new technology. It’s an exciting time to be involved.

But our aim is always the same: to deliver for Scilly. And everyone who works here has an important part to play. Over 200 team-mates, with one purpose.

Our people Our people are at the heart of our company. ISSG offers the chance to work across a range of sectors within an inclusive, supportive environment.

With hundreds of highly-skilled, well-paid employees, we are one of West Cornwall’s biggest employers. Careers here are varied - from drivers, engineers, pilots, baggage handlers, customer service agents and air traffic controllers to mariners, firefighters, marketing, finance and office staff.

We still have descendants of the founding directors serving the company today.

As we grow, we look to employ people with the right skills and experience, that understand the importance of maintaining and improving our services.

A great service needs great people. So we need to hire energetic, like-minded colleagues – and make our company somewhere they can learn and grow.

That means training and mentoring each other, and ensuring we’re a supportive place to work.

If you want to work with amazing people in an amazing place, then ISSG could be for you.

So, where do you fit in?

Need some advice? If you’re thinking about your career choices, need a bit of inspiration or would like extra information about the company, get in touch.

Email: recruitment@issg.co.uk Visit: www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk/careers

Careers in Marine Our iconic passenger ferry, Scillonian III, is perhaps what we’re best known for. Running from March to November, the crossing from Penzance to St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly takes around 2 hours 45 minutes and gives passengers a unique perspective of some of Cornwall’s spectacular coastline.

We also run the island’s dedicated cargo ship, Gry Maritha, and the inter-island cargo vessel. It’s a busy, year-round operation keeping the islands stocked up.

Diverse career opportunities are available in the marine side of our business. As well as the ship’s masters and able seamen, we employ engineers, stewards and quay staff.

Master The most high-profile of our marine roles, our Masters are in charge of our ships, their crew and any passengers or cargo they are carrying, both on the water and in port.

The Masters have absolute command of our vessels and overriding authority over all aspects of their operations at all times.

As well as taking helm of the ships, a Master’s other responsibilities include implementation of the safety, security and environmental policies of the company.

Masters hold the highest level of qualification for professional mariners.

Skills Needed: •

Excellent leadership, organisational and problem solving skills

•

Effective communication and inter-personal skills

•

Adaptability, decisiveness and can remain calm under pressure

•

Good team member

Qualifications: •

MCA Master Certificate of Competency

•

Merchant Navy Cadetship

•

First aid and firefighting qualifications

•

Sea survival and radar qualifications

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For further information visit www.careersatsea.org

Since joining the Steamship Group back in 2018 I have gained valuable experience, which has helped me to progress my career. In 2021 I gained my Master mariners unlimited qualification.

I started with the company as Chief Officer on the Gry Maritha and have now worked my way up to Master of Scillonian III, something that I am immensely proud of. I enjoy working with the crew and being able to go home at night is such a rarity in this profession.

Victoria Bolitho Master of Scillonian III

Chief Officer

Marine Engineer

Marine Superintendent

A Chief Officer is head of the deck department of our ships. Responsibilities are significant and varied; it’s often the career path to becoming a Master.

Our Second Engineers work at the heart of our vessels and are responsible for their servicing, repairing and maintenance, ensuring we provide a safe and reliable service for our customers. This is the normal career path towards becoming a Chief Engineer.

A Marine Superintendent’s role is wide-ranging.

Responsibilities include being the central point of contact between a ship, its departments and operators; managing the vessels’ crews and rotas; conducting inspections and audits and preparing budgets.

Work includes planned maintenance and repairs of machinery in the engine room and on deck, including fuel and cargo operations.

Marine Superintendents must have strong organisational and interpersonal skills, as well as holding various maritime qualifications, including a Certificate of Competency.

They deputise for a vessel’s Master, perform the role of safety officer, have responsibility for maintaining a ship’s security procedures and ensuring the ship is ready for external inspections. They also carry out navigational watchkeeping duties and ship handling.

To become a Chief Officer, you must hold an STCW Certificate of Competency. This is usually gained by completing a Merchant Navy Cadetship.

Skills Needed: • • •

Excellent communicator Critical thinking and decision making Inter-personal skills

Qualifications: • •

STCW Certificate of Competency Merchant Navy Cadetship

To become a marine engineer, you need a STCW Certificate of Competency, as well as experience in crowd and crisis management.

Skills Needed: • • • •

Practical and resourceful Excellent maths and communication skills Decisiveness Good problem-solving skills

Qualifications: • •

STCW Certificate of Competency Degree in marine or mechanical engineering

Skills Needed: • • • •

Project planning and management Excellent leadership skills Analytical Good communication skills

Qualifications: •

STCW Certificate of Competency

Able Seafarer

Purser

Quay Hand

Supporting the ship’s Chief Officer, Able Sseafarers are experienced members of the deck crew, performing varied duties including vessel mooring, gangway and cargo operations; assisting passengers boarding and disembarking; maintenance such as rope work and painting, and watch keeping duties.

A Purser’s role is to maintain all aspects of passenger services on-board the vessel. This includes managing the team of stewards; supervising the coffee shops and retail areas and promoting a positive passenger experience.

Quay Hands play a vital role in our day-to-day operations and mainly involves the loading and unloading of our vessels.

It’s a skilled role, which requires a Deck Rating Grade 1 qualification or Certified A/B CoC as a minimum.

Skills Needed: • Effective communication • Troubleshooting skills • Good problem solving skills • Good team player Qualifications: • •

Deck Rating Grade 1 or Certified A/B CoC ENG1 medical

A Purser must have qualifications in first aid, fire prevention and firefighting as well as port skills and safety.

Skills Needed: • • • •

Management and customer service skills Administration skills Excellent communication skills Exceptional attention to detail

Qualifications: • • •

ENG1 medical STCW fire prevention and firefighting Food and hygiene certification

Other duties include accepting and monitoring freight, docking and undocking our vessels, ensuring exceptional customer service and maintaining operational procedures.

Skills Needed: • • • •

Excellent interpersonal skills Work well in a team Good customer service skills Good attention to detail

Qualifications: A There are no specific qualifications required, but a forklift licence is desirable (full training and certification can be given).

RICHARD ‘NABO’ NICHOLLS AB Gry Maritha & Scillonian III After ten years on North Sea gas rigs, Able

a standby on gas rigs. My role was Rescue

On a good day, it’s second to none – the best

Seafarer (AB) Nicholls is working a lot closer to

Coxswain and Medic.

job.

Why did you decide to join the company?

What does an average day look like for you?

Tell me a little about your day-to-day role…

I grew up in Mousehole, before moving around

During the summer, if I’m working onboard

At the moment, I’m working as an AB onboard

the corner to Newlyn, so the company has

Scillonian III, a typical day means being

Scillonian III, which involves looking after

always been part of the local community for

onboard at 07:00 for a 07:30 start. If I’m lucky,

passengers once they’re onboard, general

me. (It’s also great to be able to work five

I finish at around 19:45 – if I’m not, its usually

maintenance of the vessel and handling cargo.

minutes down the road.)

closer to 21:00!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

What do you get up to outside of work?

The view from onboard is pretty spectacular;

I joined the RNLI in 1987 and still volunteer as

I’ve seen dolphins, Minke whales, sunfish…

lifeboat crew at Penlee, just down the road. I’ve

home. He tells us why he has “the best job”.

I also work on Gry Maritha as a forklift driver, loading and unloading cargo.

We move between vessels, so a typical rotation would be one week onboard Scillonian III, one week onboard Gry Maritha, then one week off.

Every day is different really, but in the summer,

just received my 30 years’ service award.

nothing beats sailing along the coastline from

It’s a little more difficult to volunteer when

What did you do before working for us?

Penzance on a nice day; stunning views, so

I’m working onboard the ships, so I use my

I spent 10 years working in the North Sea as

much so see.

weekends and weeks off to crew the lifeboat.

Careers in Aviation For almost 40 years, we have owned and operated our own airline, Skybus – our year-round service flying to and from the Isles of Scilly. The journey takes just 20 minutes from Land’s End Airport, 30 minutes from Newquay and an hour from Exeter. It’s one of the most scenic routes imaginable.

Did you know we also own the very busy Land’s End Airport, home to our fleet of Twin Otter aircraft?

There’s a wealth of career options in our aviation sector, such as pilots, air traffic control, ground handling, aircraft engineers and fire crew. It’s an exciting place to work, where no two days are ever the same.

Air Traffic Controller The role of an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) is to give instructions and information to pilots to ensure that every flight is handled in a safe, orderly and expeditious manner.

Responsibilities include producing weather reports; checking flight plans; safety management, runway inspections and wildlife patrols. Handling unexpected situations and emergencies is an essential part of the role.

It obviously helps to have an interest in aviation, but other important attributes include the ability to multi-task; have good eyesight, hearing and general fitness; good communication skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

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Skills Needed: •

Excellent levels of concentration

• •

Ability to work well under pressure Decisiveness and good problem-solving and planning skills Spatial awareness Good communication skills Numeracy skills Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations Confidence with technology

• • • • •

Qualifications: • •

For further information visit www.ifatca.org

Current UK/CAA licence MET Observers Certificate

Skybus Operations Our Operations department is responsible for operating our aircraft safely and efficiently. It schedules the aircraft and crews and makes sure all procedures are followed to maintain safety and meet operating requirements.

Skills Needed: • • • •

Good communication Strong organisational skills Attention to detail Good computer skills

Qualifications: No formal qualifications are needed to work in operations, but you will need a sound general education.

It may be a cliché, but I love that every day is different.

It may be weather challenges, the introduction of new regulations/procedures or the management of a local planning application for a tall building on final approach to our main runway - each day brings its challenges and its rewards.

One of the best bits of advice I can give to someone interested in airport management/air traffic control is to go and visit as many airports and control towers as you can. When you are there, ask questions and watch how the various facets all intertwine and work together. To be successful, you have to love the aviation environment and have a strong desire to succeed. Expect long hours airports demand your attention 24/7.

Chris Pearson Land's End Airport Manager

Pilot We have a team of around 20 Pilots at Skybus. Our small planes mean passengers meet the Pilot and watch them at work. Customers describe it as “real flying”. Our Pilots are based at Land’s End Airport.

To become a commercial airline pilot, you’ll need to apply for an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). To get your ATPL, you’ll need to train with an aviation academy or flight school and have obtained a Class 1 Medical Certificate.

The qualifications required to become a trainee pilot may depend on the academy or school you train with. A degree is not always essential, but it is beneficial to have good knowledge in maths and physics.

You’ll graduate from flying school with a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and an Instrumental Rating (IR), which combine to make up a ‘frozen ATPL’. With a frozen ATPL you’ll be able to apply for positions as a first officer or co-pilot. To ‘unfreeze’ your ATPL you’ll need to complete 1,500

hours of flying experience and meet certain conditions along the way, after which you’ll be able to apply for positions as a captain.

Skills Needed: • • • • •

Problem-solving ability Technical aptitude and spatial awareness Aptitude for numbers and data analysis Excellent communication skills Decisiveness and the ability to think on your feet

Qualifications: • •

Airline Transport Pilot Licence Class 1 Medical Certificate

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For further information visit www.balpa.org

Aircraft Engineer Skybus has a dedicated Engineering team of 10 at Land’s End Airport. This busy department is responsible for the maintenance, safety and airworthiness of our fleet of aircraft.

Being an Engineer is a hands on role, that requires concentration and attention to detail.

Passenger and crew safety is paramount.

The role involves daily aircraft inspections, dealing with technical issues, and routine maintenance every three months. During the quieter winter months, each aircraft has its mandatory annual maintenance.

Skills Needed: • • • •

Close attention to detail Excellent communication skills Good knowledge of Health & Safety regulations and requirements Computer literate

Qualifications: •

EASA Cat. B1 / B2 License

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For further information visit www.imeche.org

Passenger Handling From checking in passengers and completing load sheets to dispatching aircraft, Passenger Handling staff have an interesting role. One of the most important aspects is to ensure the airline operates safely and provides the highest level of customer service at all times.

So if you’re a people-person, this could be the role for you. No formal qualifications are necessary, but a good general education and excellent communication skills are a must.

Skills Needed: • • •

Excellent communication skills Excellent customer service skills Computer literate

Qualifications: There are no specific qualifications required, but a good general education is key for this role.

Firefighter Our fire crew responds to incidents at, and in the vicinity of, Land’s End Airport. On top of this, the crew helps maintain the airport’s equipment, assists passengers, refuels aircraft, loads and unloads the aircraft and handles freight. It’s a varied role, assisting with all aspects of the airport.

Being a Firefighter means you must be self-disciplined and selfmotivated. There is a comprehensive schedule of training, and Firefighters must hold a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) endorsed competence certificate and valid medical certificate.

Skills Needed: •

Self-disciplined and self-motivated

•

Good communicator

•

Strong interpersonal skills

•

Basic computer skills

Qualifications: •

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) endorsed competence certificate

•

Valid medical certificate

•

MOD firefighting experience would be beneficial

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For further information visit www.fireservice.co.uk

I oversee and manage the fire department of 11 personnel and two fire appliances. I also have the responsibility of fuel operations and emergency planning at the airport and help the airport manager with other airport matters.

On reflection, it took me quite some time to find the industry and employer that would mirror my enthusiasm to strive for development and maintain a set of values. For me the key is always to work hard and take an opportunity when it presents itself, better to give things a go than regret not taking an opportunity.

Jonathan Stephens Fire Services Manager

Careers in Office & Support Services Behind the scenes at the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group is a busy and diverse operation keeping the company running. These may not be opportunities that immediately spring to mind when you think of a transportation company, but they are all essential roles.

Health and Safety The Health and Safety department ensure ISSG and our employees comply with health and safety legislation and that health and safety policies and procedures are developed and implemented.

By preparing health and safety strategies, developing internal policies, completing risk assessments and carrying out regular site inspections they consider how risks can be reduced to prevent accidents, injury and occupational ill-health.

Skills Needed: • • •

Excellent written and spoken communication skills Negotiating, patience and diplomacy The ability to understand and analyse complex information and present it simply and accurately An investigative and enquiring mind

•

Qualifications: Degree or vocational qualification routes are available. Entry without a degree is possible, provided you achieve an appropriate combination of relevant health and safety qualifications and experience.

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For further information visit www.iirsm.org & www.iosh.com

Marketing and PR The Marketing department is a crucial part of the company, responsible for promoting ISSG and its services to the public. Day to day, the department is responsible for promotional campaigns, brand management, research, the company’s website and social media.

Marketing is a creative role that needs excellent communication skills, including the ability to engage and convey messages to a variety of audiences in a clear and concise manner.

Marketing is about data collection and analysis, learning how to develop effective communications strategies, the four Ps (product, price, promotion, product) and so much more. A marketing career is hard, not only because of all the information and strategies that you have to learn, but also because it is a process that includes lifelong, continuous development due to the new products and emerging technologies.

Skills needed: • • •

Creativity, analytical and good communicator Ability to organise and plan Digital knowledge and awareness

Routes into marketing: • •

University degree in marketing, communications or business Professional marketing qualifications and apprenticeships

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For further information visit www.cim.co.uk

JADE THOMAS Marketing Apprentice Tell us a little about you...

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

After finishing college, I completed an Art

I am always keen to develop my skills so was

It can be challenging managing the workload

and Design diploma at Falmouth University

thrilled to be given this opportunity. I had

for both the course and job. All aspects of the

before continuing my studies at Loughborough

experience in digital marketing practices, but

course have to be completed within working

no formal qualifications up until this point.

hours – so being organised is important.

University - obtaining a degree in Graphic Communication and Illustration. I returned to Helston and worked for an online retailer in a

What does a typical day look like for you?

design and marketing role for 5 years where

Each day varies! I complete my ‘normal’

my interest in marketing developed. I have

work duties over 4 days, and 1 towards my

now been with ISSG for nearly 2 years as a

apprenticeship. My day-to-day role includes

Marketing Assistant.

What apprenticeship are you completing?

I am part way through my Digital Marketer

content planning and creation, design work,

What has been your greatest achievement during your apprenticeship so far?

So far, I have completed 1 out of the 3 modules.

The first module was ‘Digital Marketing Business Principles’ where I achieved a ‘Google Analytics Individual Qualification’.

and web maintenance amongst other things.

What tips would you give to someone What are you enjoying the most?

considering an apprenticeship?

practical and strategic methods of effective

I'm really enjoying putting my newly learnt

it's never too late to start or learn something

digital marketing with a focus on helping

skills into practice and meeting others on the

new, you can benefit from an apprenticeship

businesses increase profitability.

course – albeit virtually!

wherever you are along your career path.

Level 3 Apprenticeship which covers both

Passenger Relations

Administration

Drivers

This team is dedicated to improving customer experiences before, during and after their journey. Our Passenger Relations team is the first point of contact for passengers in the event of disruption.

Administration is a broad category, with a range of different roles from payroll, making payments on time; commercial analyst, helping us plan for the future; to freight administrator, dealing with freight bookings, sales and quotes.

Island Carriers is our own freight haulage company based on St Mary’s.

It’s a busy and demanding role, where no two days will be the same. A morning could be spent dealing with inquiries in the office, while the afternoon could be advising and assisting passengers in our airport or on the quay.

Administrators provide all manner of support to the company and encompass a wide variety of duties, including general office management and clerical work.

Skills Needed: • • • •

Excellent communication skills Excellent customer service skills Good time management skills Computer literate

Qualifications: There are no specific qualifications required, but a good general education is key for this role.

Skills Needed:

We have a team of Drivers who move an impressive 600,000 tonnes of freight around the islands every year.

We have 14 vehicles, including four flatbeds fitted with cranes, two refrigerated vans, a tipper truck and four general vans for luggage and parcels. It’s a busy role. Our team is equipped to deal with any situation and are friendly, hardworking and loyal.

•

Good communication skills

•

Strong organisational skills

Skills Needed:

•

Attention to detail

•

Good computer skills (i.e Word, Excel)

• • •

Qualifications: Although there are no specific qualifications required for administration, short courses for spreadsheets, analytics and time management can be advantageous.

Excellent interpersonal skills Good customer service skills Work well in a team

Qualifications: • • •

Driving licence Driver CPC qualification (beneficial) HGV licence (beneficial)

Finance Our Finance department carries out various day-to-day financial processes, including invoicing, credit control and banking. It's also responsible for setting and monitoring budgets, preparing monthly and year-end accounts and providing financial and cashflow forecasts. It provides financial information for internal and external users and ensures cash resources are available for the company’s operations. Reporting and compliance are a major part of the finance department’s responsibilities.

Some finance roles require professional accounting qualifications and we can help support those keen to progress.

Skills Needed: • • • •

Good attention to detail Have an enquiring mind Advanced MS Excel skills Ability to analyse data

Qualifications: •

Part or fully qualified AAT or above

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For further information visit www.icaew.com, www.aat.org.uk & www.yourfuture.accaglobal.com

Human Resources Human Resources (HR) is an important part of the company and is responsible for providing guidance and advice to managers and employees on all people matters. This can include recruitment and hire of employees, training and dealing with some of the more difficult issues such as redundancy, disciplinaries and grievances. You will often be the first contact that someone joining the company will have.

You will need to be organised with a good working knowledge of employment law and able to communicate with people at all levels within the company.

HR is about balancing the company requirement and helping managers to maintain a happy and motivated workforce.

Skills Needed: • • • •

Able to organise and plan on a day-to-day basis Good communicator and able to have difficult conversations Knowledge of employment law Attention to detail

Routes into HR: • • •

Good administrative background with experience and interest in HR Professional HR qualification HR degree

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For further information visit www.cipd.co.uk

Steamship Steamship I S L E S O F S C I L LY

I S L E S O F S C I L LY

GROUP

Isles of Scilly

GROUP

Steamship Steamship Isles of Scilly

Group

Group

For more information on careers with the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group please contact: Human Resources, Isles of Scilly Steamship Group Steamship House, Quay Street, Penzance, TR18 4BZ recruitment@issg.co.uk www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk