Twenty-one year old Lauren Lucas has won the Future Talent Award at the Dynamic Awards for women in business at the Grand Hotel in Brighton. It recognises her achievement at becoming Wightlink’s youngest female Bosun, a Deck Officer on the Isle of Wight ferries and third-in-command on board the ships.
Lauren, who lives in the New Forest, was accompanied by Wightlink colleagues at the ceremony and her parents Paul and Marisa Lucas.
Began career at UKSA
She started her maritime career at the UK Sailing Academy in Cowes before joining Wightlink as a rating on the Lymington to Yarmouth route. Her duties include steering the ship, embarking and disembarking vehicles safely and efficiently, and working with fellow crew members to provide superb customer care.
Mitchell: We are sure she will succeed in her career at sea
Head of Fleet Operations at Wightlink, Captain Sam Mitchell, is delighted,
“Lauren has earned the respect of her colleagues by working hard and excelling at all aspects of her challenging and responsible role and we are sure she will succeed in her career at sea.”
Lucas: Thank you for your encouragement
Lauren says,
“Without the support of everyone at Wightlink, I wouldn’t be on stage collecting this award or looking forward to continuing my maritime journey. Thank you for your encouragement.”
Officer Cadetship
Meanwhile, Lauren is setting her sights further afield. Later this year, she will become an Officer Cadet at Warsash Maritime Academy, sponsored by Marella Cruises.
Over the next three years, she will learn navigation, tides, meteorology and other maritime subjects, with practical sessions in firefighting, seamanship skills and ship handling. Lauren will then put her experience to good use on placements onboard Marella cruise ships around the world.
However, her ambition is to return to Wightlink, as a Captain!
News shared by Karen on behalf of Wightlink. Ed
