The determination of a mariner who grew up in a landlocked town without any seafaring background has won her the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) prestigious Officer Trainee of the Year 2024 award.
Twenty-eight-year-old Luka Haynes is an Officer of the Watch working on Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels, who describes herself as "an ordinary person with a passion for learning and a determination to succeed".
Luka initially worked a series of office jobs, but at age 23 decided on a career change and signed up to be an officer trainee, completing her studies as a mature student at Fleetwood Nautical Campus.
During her studies she had to navigate the obstacles of the pandemic, which began around the same time as her cadetship in 2020.
Members of the judging panel each highlighted how Luka had overcome Covid challenges and being a student again, with one judge saying she had "demonstrated exceptional resilience and determination in the face of significant adversity".
She was presented with her prize by MCA Chief Executive Virginia McVea at the UK Chamber of Shipping’s annual dinner on Monday 3rd February.
Virginia said: "Luka’s story is an inspiration, and she is a worthy recipient of the Officer Trainee of the Year 2024 award. It was a pleasure to celebrate her achievement, and I wish her all the best for a very promising career. I hope many more follow in Luka’s footsteps as the UK maritime industry continues to flourish."
Commenting on her award, Luka said: "I was stunned to learn I had actually won. Now I'm excited to begin a career where hard work truly pays off, and I'll continue striving to reach new heights."
