Careering ahead

Marking National Apprenticeship Week (6-13 February 2023), life-long Londoner, Keon St Croix, a trainee lighterman with Cory, explains what set him on the path to a career on the river.

Apprenticeship advice

“My advice to anyone considering a maritime apprenticeship is go for it! You won’t be disappointed.

“As long as you are hardworking and have a passion for it, you will always have someone willing to teach you.

“It can be intimidating, at first especially, as there is a lot to learn.

“But it would be a mistake not to grab the opportunity if it comes along.

“The Thames is the best work environment in my opinion, all year round.

“It can get a bit chilly in the winter – you need to a lot of layers to keep warm - but it’s worth it.”

Learning regime

“Apprenticeships are a great option for people setting out in life.

“Everyone learns at different speeds, and we all have different abilities.

“Some people don’t do well in a classroom environment.

“Apprenticeships provide a way for you to learn practically, whilst also getting first-hand experience in your chosen trade.

“I think that by the end of it you have learned more than sitting in a classroom.”

New horizon

“Even though I have lived close to it all my life, at school I never considered working on the river.

“I just didn’t know it was an option.

“My educational background was a BTEC in business at Christ the King Aquinas college in Brockley.”

River revelation

“My introduction to the maritime industry came via the AHOY Centre in Deptford, where I completed an apprenticeship.

“My time there opened my eyes to working on the river.

“It involved working with local children to introduce them to river-based activities, such as sailing, rowing and power boating.

“I also got my power boat level 2 and sailing level 2 whilst I was there.

“It gave me a passion for the river which I don’t think will ever leave me now.

“I still keep my hand in rowing – for example as part of the Watermen’s Hall crew in Thames Traditional Rowing Association events on the river.”

Working week

“Typically, I work for 12 hours a day, three days a week.

“The start of the each working day depends on my order time. It can range from 6am to 9am.

“The starting point for our journeys is usually the Cory depot at Charlton, not far from the Thames Barrier.

“When we get underway, we pick up barges and transport them to different wharfs sometimes upriver through London, all the way to Wandsworth, or we may head down river to Tilbury Dock.

“My role as an apprentice lighterman is to attach the barges to the tug, throw ropes and ‘get turns’ – that means tying up boats together.

“I also get time on the wheel as we’re going up and down river.”

Cory story

“It’s exciting working at Cory.

“We use river-based infrastructure to help London to manage its recyclable and non-recyclable waste.

“Work to de-carbonize our operations will also be helping the river achieve Net Zero targets.

“The company is developing a second energy-from-waste facility in Bexley.

“The current site generates enough electricity to power around 160,000 homes.

“The ash from the incineration process also gets recycled for building material, which means nothing goes to waste.

“That’s good news for the environment.”

Future goals

“Hopefully, my apprenticeship can get me a full-time job in the maritime sector.

“The more I have worked on the river, the more I have enjoyed it

“I want to continue learning and progress further.

"I’d like to work my way up to become a captain one day.”

Quick fire

• Best view of the river? You can't beat a good sunrise! Watching the sky and water turn red on the barges is so beautiful and peaceful. A close second is going through London at night-time.
• Hobbies? At the moment my main hobby is probably playing pool with my friends. I also enjoy going to the gym, setting goals and attaining them.
• Role model: My Mum, who installed me with a hard-work ethic and always taught me to be kind to others.