Careers on the Thames celebrates its busiest year yet 

Careers On The Thames, London’s only floating careers fair, returned this week for its annual showcase of river‑based opportunities on Thames.

Hosted aboard Thames Luxury Charters’ paddle steamer, the Dixie Queen moored by the iconic Tower Bridge, the event brought together students, jobseekers, training providers, and river employers for an afternoon of hands‑on exploration and industry insight. 

This year’s fair was opened by Leon Daniels OBE, the newly appointed Chair of the Thames Skills Academy and CEO Katherine Riggs. Both spoke about the importance of developing a skilled, diverse workforce to support the river’s growth and long‑term sustainability; the many pathways into careers and the unique opportunities the Thames offers, and most important how welcome everyone was to join the vibrant Thames community. 

A standout moment, as in previous years, was the Apprentice Panel, which once again drew a full audience. Boatmaster and Marine Engineering apprentices from City Cruises, Cory, Marine Policing Unit, Thames Marine Services, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and Woods’ Silver Fleet shared insightful reflections on their roles, training, and day‑to‑day responsibilities. Their stories highlighted the value of being able to earn whilst they learn, and demonstrated the breadth of progression routes available across the river’s passenger, freight, and engineering sectors. 

Across the afternoon, visitors engaged with employers, explored training options, and gained first‑hand insight into the skills that keep the Thames moving. The enthusiastic participation underscored the growing interest in maritime careers and the vital role the river continues to play in London’s economy. 

With a programme shaped by industry voices, this year’s Careers On The Thames reinforced its position as a flagship event for the sector and a key moment in the calendar for inspiring the next generation of river professionals.