Meet our Apprentices

Meet Our Apprentices: Jamie and James

At Tamar Crossings, our Apprentices are a vital part of keeping our ferries and infrastructure running safely and smoothly. Working on one of the UK’s few remaining chain ferries means no two days are ever the same, and the skills learned here are truly unique.

We spoke to two of our current Apprentices, Jamie and James, about their journeys so far, what they’ve learned, and what it’s really like to be part of the team.

Jamie:

Jamie joined Tamar Crossings just over a year ago after deciding it was time for a career change. The apprenticeship covers both Electrical and Mechanical disciplines, giving her a broad and hands-on learning experience. For Jamie, it's been a unique experience where she's learned about elements of engineering that you wouldn't find anywhere else.

“I was previously working in retail and wanted a change. I’d done engineering in college and wanted to come back to it again. On the Electrical side I’m testing fire alarms, changing lamps and fixing faults. Mechanical work can mean getting into the chain chute, changing segments, pulling chain or servicing generators - they’re completely different each side.

I've found that I prefer Electrical Engineering, you really have to engage your brain with creative problem solving.

The team are like a mini family, everyone gets on. They’ve also helped with my college work, which is really valuable. We’ve all got a good sense of humour, and that’s vital when you’re working so closely together.

The things you learn here are very unique. As one of the UK’s few chain ferries, we’re learning things that engineers in other roles wouldn’t be exposed to.”

James:

James, whose apprenticeship time with Tamar Crossings will come to an end this year, prefers the Mechanical side of the apprenticeship, and has enjoyed getting to know the vessels in more detail as he's grown up locally and used the ferry through this life. One of the key benefits to the apprenticeship is also all the training that he has been encouraged to complete while here.

“I prefer Mechanical Engineering because you’re always hands-on getting stuck in. You spend a lot of time together in this team and really get to know everyone. For instance Robbie, one of the Mechanical Leading Hands, is always coming up with new ways of doing things, you don’t know how he’s come up with it, but it works. He’s always there showing you how it’s done and getting stuck in. Having the team around you really does make such a difference - even on the worst day, you know they’re there to make it better.

You really get to know the three vessels inside and out. It can take around a year to feel completely comfortable with all the different ways they work, but it’s great once you do. I’ve been part of multiple chain changes and a whole ferry refit, including travelling to Falmouth while the vessel was dry-docked. I’m a qualified Welder now, and I’ve done MEWP training, Working at Height, Working in Confined Spaces and Water Training too.”