The Chorley-based luxury cruise agency currently has 11 apprentices working within its marketing, finance, sales and customer service teams, and expects by 2030 to have invested in more than 100 apprenticeships.

Since 2020, Panache Cruises has been taking on apprentices from schools, colleges or universities who are looking to take on full-time positions along with continuing their formal education. 

Any apprentice who finishes the programme with 100% success rate is offered a full-time job at Panache and will later receive further training to help them become managers.

Panache Cruises’ apprenticeship package includes a competitive salary, 33 days’ annual leave, a personal holiday allowance, private medical care, pension and flexible working. 

Panache Cruises’ founder James Cole said apprenticeships would be the business’s biggest recruitment channel over the next three years as he looks to double staffing levels. Panache currently employs more than 50 people across the business.

“By 2030, we aim to have invested in over 100 apprenticeships," said Cole. "Since establishing Panache Cruises, it’s always been a personal passion of mine to invest in and develop young talent.

“We have seen enormous benefits from introducing this programme.  Being able to take on young, colleagues who have the aptitude to not only do a great job, but also want to learn too. It is a win-win for all.

“They receive good pay and benefits, and get to learn on the job from experts, and we develop a well-skilled team, while developing managers and leaders of the future.”

He added: “Our first-ever apprentice, Olivia Edwards, who studied digital marketing, has since gone on to become an exceptionally valued member of our team, managing and creating content helping drive forward our digital strategy.”

Edwards said she learned how to edit videos, design, build websites and about search engine optimisation during her apprenticeship. 

“The working environment at Panache Cruises is uplifting and positive and the team work so well together,” she added. “We are always learning from each other and motivating one another.”