More than 100 jobs available at Windermere Lake Cruises

Windermere Lake Cruises, a popular Lake District attraction, says the roles are 'perfect' for those looking for a late career change.

Alex Hicks, a 70-year-old former businessperson and leadership and management lecturer, can be seen as proof of that, having joined Windermere Lake Cruises as a coach park assistant following his retirement.

He first joined the tours company in a seasonal role in his late sixties but is now a permanent part of the team.

“Retirement is nice but there is only so much gardening you can do!” said Mr Hicks. “I was looking for a job where I got to engage with the public and wasn’t sat behind a computer all day long – and this role is perfect.”

Alex Hicks joined the company after his retirement (Image: Windermere Lake Cruises)

In his role, the Windermere resident entertains both domestic and international visitors.

He said: “We get coaches with both domestic and international visitors from all over the world arriving here. There are day trippers and people here for a longer holiday. I have to engage with them all.

“I know it sounds terribly trite, but it’s my job to make sure people are happy!"

Apart from engaging with visitors, Alex's role involves informing them about various cruise options, overseeing the safe parking of coaches, selling tickets, and answering queries.

“You need the confidence to step onto a coach full of visitors and tell them all about the cruise options available," he said.

"The next minute you are making sure all the coaches are safely parked and that’s a bit like a 3D jigsaw! Then you are selling tickets and answering all the questions people have. It’s a lot of fun!”

With his role at Windermere Lake Cruises, Mr Hicks has found an alternative career path, one he plans to continue as long as his health permits.

"It’s nice to be part of a team," Mr Hicks added.

"This is something you can carry on doing when you perhaps want a career change and while I’m healthy I have no plans to stop doing it."

The company is organising a Recruitment Day event on February 3 onboard its 300-seat MV Swift, from 10am to 4pm.

Windermere Lake Cruises has jobs on offer in its cruise vessels, self-drive boats, cafes, shops, and ticket offices available for people of all ages.

Ian Wilkinson, the HR manager at Windermere Lake Cruises, said: "There are no unsociable hours, no split shifts and you can work one day a week or five days a week – it’s up to you.

“It’s a great opportunity to work in a place where we can promise some of the best views you are likely to find.

"We have people who come to work temporary summer jobs who are still with us ten to fifteen years later working as boat masters or managers."

During the summer months, staff numbers at the popular site must more than double to cater to the surge in passengers exploring England’s largest lake on Windermere Lake Cruises' expansive 'steamer' fleet.