Alford Academy Travel and Tourism S4, S5 and S6 pupils visited the Port of Aberdeen and NorthLink Ferries today to learn more about the travel and tourism sector and the career opportunities available.

The pupils started the day with a unique experience of being invited to climb aboard a NorthLink Ferry and have a behind the scenes look at the huge amount of logistics that go into the smooth running of the company’s operations.  Pupils met with the Captain in the bridge who explained his role,  the different routes into his profession and the career path he had taken.

The young people met a variety of NorthLink Ferry staff members from the Customer Services Manager, Hospitality Director, a Chef and an Engineer, who all took time out of their busy day jobs to give fantastic insights into the wide-ranging careers available at NorthLink Ferries and within their sector.   Pupils were able to sample first hand the comfort of the sleeping pods and have a look at the cabins on offer to passengers.

The pupils then travelled to the Port of Aberdeen South Harbour expansion where the Geo Environmental Project Manager gave an explanation of the development and construction of the South Harbour.  The Visitor Centre Coordinator outlined the important role the Port of Aberdeen plays in attracting tourists to the area through the cruise liners.  They both covered the wide-ranging careers available at the Port of Aberdeen.

It was fantastic for the pupils to see the harbour from such an amazing vantage point and understand how it is such an integral part of the infrastructure for the North East of Scotland.  A pod of Dolphins also made an appearance which was an added bonus!

Thank you so much for NorthLink Ferries and the Port of Aberdeen for providing such interesting and invaluable insights into the tourism sector.