An Epsom travel and tourism student won a luxury trip for her family after she and her classmates swapped the lecture room for a cruise.
The Nescot College student took part in the Cruise Career Springboard programme, an industry-backed scheme designed to promote careers in the cruise sector.
In February, students from Nescot and Itchen College in Southampton boarded a five-day VIVA river cruise through Germany and the Netherlands.
During the trip, they created social media content, planned shore excursions and completed marketing and promotion tasks.
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Julie Kapsalis MBE, principal and chief executive at Nescot, said: "We always work to give our students real-world experiences and swapping the classroom for a cruise must be one of the most exciting we’ve ever offered. I am proud of everyone who took part, and especially Jordyn for her winning presentation."
Each student then presented their ideas for attracting younger travellers to the cruise market.
Jordyn Leyland McKenzie, from Nescot, was named the winner. She was awarded an all-inclusive seven-night cruise for four on the Rhine or Danube.
Ms Leyland McKenzie said: “I can't even believe this is real! If you'd have told me two months ago that I'd have won something like this, I would have laughed in your face.
"I truly think this experience has pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me a better person and upped my confidence to a different level and I'm just so grateful and thankful."
Michelle Daniels, country manager for VIVA Cruises in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, said: "The quality of the presentations was amazing, and I took back lots of notes and ideas to our marketing team in Düsseldorf."
The judging panel also included Edwina and Matthew Lonsdale, founders of the Cruise Career Springboard, along with industry mentors Graham Sadler and Peter Shanks.
Mr Sadler, who supported the students throughout the programme, said: "The transformation of these students from children who initially lacked confidence, to an enthusiastic and engaged group of young adults, excited about their future careers in the cruise industry, has been extraordinary to watch."
The runner-up was Millie Moreno-Zumaquero from Itchen College.
The next group of Cruise Career Springboard students from Nescot, Itchen College and Farnborough College of Technology started the 2026 programme on April 17, embarking on the Majestic Princess.
Matthew Lonsdale, co-founder of the programme, said: "This programme is the perfect example of UK cruise line collaboration, with nearly 100 individuals working at a variety of cruise lines giving up their valuable time to inspire young people to aim for a career in cruise. We cannot thank them enough."
Nescot College offers a variety of courses for school leavers and adults, including animal care, business, computing and IT, construction, performing arts, childcare, health and social care, and beauty therapy.
To find out more about courses at Nescot, call 020 8394 3038, visit www.nescot.ac.uk, or email adviceteam@nescot.ac.uk.
