Leading Cadet Jessica, from Staines and Egham Sea Cadet Unit, was offered a summer job on the Queen’s rowbarge, Gloriana, after impressing the crew and captain on board during a charity event she attended as a guest.
The 16-year-old impressed with her skills and knowledge and has now joined crew members who are older and more experienced.
She said: “I had been speaking to the captain, and he let me stand by the helm and go up the steps. Then he asked if I wanted to dip the ensign so the barge could go under the bridges. I did a few jobs here and there, and at the end of it he gave me his card and said there was a job if I wanted it.
"I started the next day, and it has been really great. You’re always outside, and I find the river relaxing. It is a difficult job, but a lot of fun, too. It will look great on my CV.”
Gloriana's Skipper, Andrew Adams, said: "We warmed to Jessica very soon after she boarded. Although embarking as a guest, she showed willingness to help in the running of QRB. It became apparent that Jessica had a number of nautical skills, but we were delighted to be able to teach her not only how to apply what she knew, but develop her skills further.
"Sea Cadets have evidently prepared Jessica for life outside of the school environment, she responds to instruction and understands that work is not a clock-watching environment."
