TV series Below Deck sparks interest in superyacht crew work – here’s how to get on board

FED up with British winters? How about a job sailing around the world’s glitziest beach resorts?

Thanks to the hit reality show Below Deck, interest in yacht crew jobs is at an all-time high.

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The TV programme chronicles the lives of the crew members who live and work aboard a yacht ­during charter season.

Although the destinations are glamorous, the role is incredibly hard work, with some shifts lasting up to 20 hours to meet A-list guests’ demands.

But the pay can be good too, with stewards and stewardesses earning up to £4,000 a month.

While 2022 was already a record year for new crew registrations, there has been a 15 per cent rise in the number of Brits registering to work on yachts this year.

Around 5,200 UK nationals are employed full-time in the industry.

Isobelle Oram, from Leeds, was an accountant but after three years in a desk job she re-skilled as a superyacht stewardess.

Isobelle, 26, said: “I’d been to the south of France on holiday and met deckhands and stewardesses from superyachts, so I did some research back in the UK. I felt that the skills I’d learnt were transferable — I was used to a professional environment, I knew how to build trust with clients and could handle money and budgeting.

“My plan is to work my way up to chief steward or purser. I would say to others, get experience in things you’ve always wanted to do, even if they’re beyond your comfort zone.”

To meet demand, the UK Sailing Academy has launched an enhanced Superyacht ­Stewardess and Steward course, which will ­provide highly trained entry-level crew.

The five-week programme has been designed by maritime experts and will see students equipped with the skills, and advised of the attitudes expected, on seven-star vessels.

The course includes the “five golden pillars” of yacht service excellence, personal presentation and etiquette skills, housekeeping and attention to detail, table management and flower arranging, professional laundry duties and an introduction to food and beverage service on board a yacht.

Funding is available to ensure courses are diverse and accessible, with 80 per cent of students being helped with fees on the last intake.

Five courses will run during 2024.

Find out more at tinyurl.com/3m355m3d.

Pitfalls of party season…

CHRISTMAS parties can leave a hangover for bosses as alcohol fuels inappropriate behaviour.

Natasha Kearslake, director of HR consultants Organic P&O Solutions, shares her view on what managers need to look out for . . . 

1. If you’re supplying alcohol at a work event, you are responsible for ensuring it is consumed safely and sensibly. Keep an eye out for employees drinking to excess – ensure transportation is available for them to avoid safety issues.
2. A party atmosphere can encourage employees to vent workplace frustrations, and petty grievances might become exaggerated. Watch for rumours spreading as alcohol loosens lips. All these might need clearing up on the next work day.
3. Romantic hook-ups between colleagues can get messy, especially if one person is senior to the other. A misunderstanding about consent can quickly become a serious HR matter. Ensure your policy is clear about how these situations are managed, not just what the rules are.
4. Make sure events include all staff members and accommodate issues like accessibility and family needs. Parties centred around alcohol risk alienating teetotal workers and people from certain religions.
5. Watch out for political or religious discussions becoming ill-tempered, and be ready to step in if it looks like turning into a shouting match.
6. Oversharing on social media can create a public record of misbehaviour that reflects badly on employees and the business. Encourage staff to think twice before they post photos and gossip online.

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Fibs just the job?

THREE in ten workers admit embellishing their CV, while one in 20 has filled it with ­outright lies.

Exaggerated responsibilities were the biggest whoppers, used by a third of fibbers, while 30 per cent fabricated exper­ience in a job.

Nineteen per cent upped their GCSE grades and 16 per cent invented skills.

But a quarter of those who had lied on their CV had been caught out – with seven per cent challenged ­during their interview.

Caitlin MacLean, from research agency Perspectus Global, which carried out the study, said: “It is surprising that so many people fib in their CVs, exaggerating their skills and experience and even making up roles.”

Be a high iFlyer

REACH for the sky with a career at iFLY.

The indoor skydive attraction is hiring instructors for its venues around the UK.

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Hayley Baldwin, who works at the iFLY at The Bear Grylls Adventure, in Birmingham, spends more than 400 hours a year in the air.

She said: “I prefer being in the air to being on the ground. I absolutely love being a teacher at The Bear Grylls Adventure. It’s an amazing job and lets me pursue my passion in the workplace.”

Find our more at iflyworld.co.uk/careers/andbeargryllsadventure.com/about/jobs/.