STUDENTS from Ballakermeen High School in Douglas recently visited the Steam Packet's ferry travel shop as part of a course.

The year 12 students are studying for an Edexcel BTEC First Travel and Tourism course and one of the key elements is customer service.

They met customer service staff within the shop and other key Steam Packet Company personnel.

Teacher Nicky McDaid said: "One of the main areas the students were researching was the Steam Packet Company’s passenger charter and how it influences policies, staffing and processes.

"We use visits such as these to enhance the students' understanding and give them first-hand experience of what it would be like to work behind the scenes somewhere like the Steam Packet Company.

"This kind of experience is invaluable to the students. Given that we live on such a small island, it can be a challenge to get access to examples of tourism businesses and to provide students with the experience they need in order to understand certain aspects of the course and achieve their standards."

Steam Packet marketing manager Renée Caley said: "We've always invested a significant amount of time and training towards providing first-class customer service, as it's vital to any successful business.

"We are pleased that the work we are undertaking within this area allows us to assist students, such as those from Ballakermeen, on a regular basis."