Erin having ‘amazing’ summer working on Mediterranean yachts
After completing her hospitality diploma at Coleg Llandrillo, Erin Price has been travelling through the south of France
Recent Coleg Llandrillo student Erin Price is having “the best experience ever” working on yachts in the Mediterranean.
Erin has been solo travelling in the south of France since completing her Level 3 Diploma in Professional Food and Beverage Service at the Rhos-on-Sea campus this summer.
The 18-year-old from Dyserth has been funding her travels by ‘dockwalking’ - taking her CV around the yachts every day in search of work.
She has been dayworking on a 28-metre yacht as a sole stew - responsible for housekeeping and guest service - and hopes to find more permanent work on the boats.
Erin said: “So far my summer in France is going amazing. Solo traveling through the south of France has probably been the best experience I’ve ever had. I’ve met so many new people and done things I thought I’d never do.
“Throughout the days I’d have to wake up early to go on ‘dock walks’ to hopefully find day work or even a job. Dockwalking is where you go up and down the many docks of the south of France with your CV in hand and ask for day work. It can be hard at times, but it’s a fun way to get your steps in, raise your confidence and talk to many people.
“In the first week I managed to get my first day job on a 28-meter yacht as a sole stew, organising and cleaning for multiple guests. I also got the opportunity to celebrate the 4th of July with some girls I met in the lovely place of Cannes with the best firework show I’ve ever seen.”
Erin has been in France for a month, working mainly in Cannes, but also in a villa in nearby Grasse. She has also visited Juan-les-Pins, Antibes, Nice and Cap-d'Ail.
She has enjoyed the networking aspect of yachting - which can be anything from organised events to run clubs, or just going to local bars to meet people in the industry.
“One of my favourite things about the yachting industry is the networking, where you meet yachties or greenies (a yachting term for those new to the industry) like myself,” she said. “This is how I found my first day work. It’s the best way to meet new people and they’re the most supportive people you will meet.”
Erin recently finished her third and final year at Coleg Llandrillo, and hopes to find work as a stew chef on a super yacht.
She said: “Studying at college has helped me get to where I am now and I can’t wait to see what the future in yachting holds.”
Do you want to work in the hospitality industry? Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Hospitality & Catering programme area offers full and part-time courses from Level 1 to Bachelors Honours Degrees, as well as apprenticeships, NVQs and customised employee training.