Mersey Ferries Marine Apprentice

Who are the Mersey Ferries?

Made famous by Gerry Marsden, Mersey Ferries, is more than just the ‘Ferry ‘cross the Mersey.’ From humble beginnings as a wooden passenger boat more than 800 years ago, to the receipt of a Royal Prefix from King George V for services in Zeebrugge in the First World War, and playing host to residents, The Beatles, on more than one occasion, the Mersey Ferries has a vast and varied history. Once a small commuter boat, the Mersey Ferries now offers daily River Explorer Cruises, a commuter service suitable for cyclists and pedestrians, and themed evening cruises throughout the summer.

In December 2023, Mersey Ferries signed a contract with Cammell Laird to produce a new vessel, the first in more than 60 years for the iconic tourist attraction.

The Royal Daffodil – named during a Keel Laying ceremony in January 2025 – is due to arrive on the water in summer 2026 and will be built locally in the Birkenhead shipyard, providing apprenticeships and training opportunities for the next generation of the Ferries team.

 
What will you be doing?

Mersey Ferries Marine Apprenticeship will give you the practical skills required to work aboard our Ferries and provide you with the technical knowledge you need to help steer the boat and lead the crew in a safe and professional way.

During term time, you’ll be studying away at Fleetwood Nautical College. Throughout the holidays, you’ll be putting that theory into practice and will be rostered into the crew schedule, working as a member of the team managing the day-to-day running of the Mersey Ferry, including working on safety drills, cleaning, customer care, minor maintenance & rope work.

Following a successful three years, you’ll be awarded your Officer of the Watch qualification. This will give you a solid foundation to take the next necessary step toward your Boatmasters Licence (Class 1 Tier 2), and River Mersey Pilotage Exemption Certificate, allowing you to Master one of the most famous ferries in the world.

This apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity for someone to work within the marine industry while never sailing too far from home. You’ll be an integral part of the Mersey Ferries Operations team and will be able to learn from a welcoming and supportive crew.

We will be hosting an event on Saturday 3^rd May 2025, offering everyone interested the opportunity to jump aboard and learn a bit more about the apprenticeship advertised. If you would like to take part, please contact jake.keogh@liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk (this isn’t a requirement to apply).

 

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic and excited about working in the maritime industry and who is ready to challenge themselves and get stuck in. You don’t need any experience, just a ‘can do’ attitude and the desire to work on the boat, in all weathers and times of the day.

You’ll need to be able to carry out all physical requirements associated with deck work such as rope handling, cleaning & minor maintenance duties and be prepared to spend time away from home whilst studying at Fleetwood Nautical College, although we are happy to discuss the plans around this at interview.  

 
Why should you choose the Mersey Ferries?

 You’re interviewing us as much as we are you, and we want you to like us. We have a bright future ahead and while we have an impressive history, our focus is very much on the future of the Ferries, and we want people to join us who have the same vision. With a new boat on the horizon and all of the learning and development opportunities that will bring – we’re excited, and we hope that this person will join us in our vision and be excited too.

At interview, we’re happy to discuss training hopes and plans, family responsibilities, and the ways in which we can support the right person into the role. We want you to be happy here, and we’re keen to make sure we get the right person for the job. If you have any questions before you apply, we’re here to chat, drop us a line on jake.keogh@liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk and/or ian.hayman@liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk . 

 

If you think you match the job description and our values then click on the link to apply, indicating how you meet the person specification.

 

About the organisation

The Liverpool City Region is world-famous for its history, culture and creativity. A place of firsts, it is the birthplace of modern railways, public health and international trade. Now, our economy is being transformed once again, changing the world through world-leading innovation in health and life sciences, digital and creative, and advanced manufacturing - growing an economy already worth £35 billion a year.

The Combined Authority plays a central role in catalysing this innovation-led economy. We are seizing the unique opportunity to use our devolved powers and funding to create wealth and prosperity for all our 1.6 million residents and the whole UK - investing in our economy, people, place, transport and digital infrastructure. Our vision is for the Liverpool City Region to be: The best place to grow up, grow a family, and grow a business - where no-one is left behind.

 

Staff benefits

• •‍Local Government Pension Scheme contributions between 5.5% and 12.5%
• •‍Generous holiday entitlement of 29 days rising to 34 days after 5 years service, as well as bank holidays and the option to buy 10 additional days
• •‍Free travel around Liverpool City Region with an All-Zone Metro card worth £1,450 per year plus All Zones Off Peak Trio ticket for your spouse or partner
• •‍Flexible and hybrid working
• •‍24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family and Free counselling service
• •‍Automatic enrolment to our Westfield Health Programme
• •‍Corporate discounts at council-owned gyms
• •‍Bike to Work Scheme
• •‍Coaching, mentoring, apprenticeships, and professional qualifications including paid membership fees and even a £1k interest free learning loan for any non-job-related learning

 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all candidates who met the essential criteria in the job description and who have declared that they: have a disability, are from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, are a member of a reservist or have close family links to a member of the Armed Forces as we are under-represented by people from these communities.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we reach a sufficient number of applications.