As a youngster, Paul Newbiggin had set his heart on being a teacher.

But 37 years later he is still with the same company he worked for after leaving college, Stena Line, albeit doing a slightly different job than when he first joined.

Travel service manager Paul, 57, laughs: “The job is just a bit different than when I first joined”

Based at Harwich Port, Paul started at check-in, but now oversees passenger operations for the Harwich to Hook of Holland service.

He says: “When I joined, we didn’t have computers, so everything was done manually, including booking cabins on ships for customers.

“In those days, the company was owned by British Rail and all our inventory was held at Liverpool Street station. We had a telephone hotline we’d call if we needed to book cabins for customers.

“Someone at Liverpool Street would answer, add it to the sheet and give us a cabin number. Now everything is computerised.”

After giving up college to be at home with his mum when his dad passed away, Paul tried working in a bank, but found the job didn’t suit him.

He says: “I really wanted a job where I met people. In Harwich, in those days, people looked to the port for jobs. I went for an interview and they asked me what I wanted to do. I wanted to work with the public, so they put me in check-in. My son is doing exactly the same job today, though I’m not sure he will stay long term.

Although Paul deals less with the public now and more with operations and budgets, he still enjoys his work as there is always a new challenge and something to learn.

There are no specific qualifications, so potential recruits would need to join at the entry level, though Paul says it is vital applicants are outgoing and friendly.

He says: “The job is 90 per cent personality because we are in a service industry. Customer service and computer training is given on the job, but for the most part, people have an interest and talent in this kind of work or they don’t.

“You have to work well under pressure. We recently had a coach-load of 50 German tourists who were booked on the ferry for the wrong day, but the ferry was almost full. My supervisor called me at home and we sorted out space for them all.

“Some of my best people here did not come with academic qualifications. They have character, they are hard working and prepared to go that extra mile.”