Compass project provides second year of travel inspiration for Year 12 students

A programme which aims to create greater social mobility, diversity and inclusivity in the travel and cruise industries has successfully concluded its second year.

The Compass Project was devised by Matthew and Edwina Lonsdale of Mundy Cruising, in partnership with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). It enables sixth-form students from socially diverse backgrounds to learn more about the travel and cruise sectors, and associated career opportunities.

Twenty-four students from Year 12 - twelve each from St John Bosco College in Battersea and Itchen Sixth Form College in Southampton - were involved in the two-month initiative, all of whom are studying for A-Levels or equivalent. The programme included at least seven off-site days, which were supported by cruise brands and partner organisations, with the aim of improving students’ industry knowledge and career prospects, as well as enhancing their confidence and presentation skills.

Students visited three cruise ships - P&O Cruises’ Britannia, MSC Virtuosa and Silversea’s Silver Spirit - in Southampton. The Itchen College students additionally attended the CLIA conference in May. Two classroom days were also overseen by training and development consultant, Debbee Dale.

Students rounded off the programme by 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.

St John Bosco College took part in the original pilot programme in 2023, with Itchen College signing up alongside them for the second year.

Matthew Lonsdale, Mundy Cruising Director, said: “When we started the Compass Project last year, we were simply trying to open young peoples’ minds to the prospect of working with cruise lines. But what we and our partner cruise lines have managed to show students is that such a career can encompass a vast range of roles, disciplines and opportunities. Working for a cruise line can mean so much more than simply working in the cruise industry."

Paul Dunne, Head Teacher at St John Bosco College, said: “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.”

Kim Wyeth, Curriculum Manager of Travel & Tourism at Itchen Sixth Form College, said: “We feel privileged to be selected to be part of The Compass Project. The students have thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the cruise industry and the different jobs it offers. Living close to the city, most students have a little understanding of the cruise industry but didn't quite know how much it has to offer and how each ship can vary so much. This project has given them a true insight into this sector and how many opportunities await them.”

Andy Harmer OBE, CLIA UK and Ireland Managing Director, said: “Congratulations to all the students for their enthusiasm, ideas and hard work. They are a talented pool of applicants who are now ready to take their first employment steps, including via holiday jobs, apprenticeships or potentially a full-time position. As cruise continues to go from strength-to-strength it’s heartening to see such a talented group looking to start their careers and contribute to the industry's success.”

Edwina Lonsdale said: “We could not operate this project without the fabulous support of our inspiring partners, and we’d like to publicly thank Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, AmaWaterways, P&O Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, APT River Cruises, Scenic River Cruises, ARosa River Cruises, MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Princess Cruises and Seabourn for their support.

“Graham Sadler’s huge input in overseeing the Southampton programme has been invaluable, not to mention the amazing Debbee Dale training days that bookend the programme.”