FERRY operator Caledonian MacBrayne has launched a recruitment drive for seagoing apprentice candidates.
CalMac is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic 17 to 24-year-olds from across its network who have a genuine passion for starting an exciting maritime career.
The operator is a recognised leader of seagoing apprenticeships, named by the Merchant Navy Training Board as one of the top five UK companies for maritime apprentice schemes. More than 150 young people have trained through the scheme since it was set up in 2013.
Applications for the 2023 intake opened today (6 March).
The scheme is designed to help young people who are passionate about the maritime sector gain essential qualifications and the experience necessary for a successful career within the sector, and most importantly with CalMac.
There are two options -– Engine Rating and Deck Rating. All apprentices will train and study at the City of Glasgow College on courses of between 18 and 20 months.
Last year, the apprentices who successfully completed the programme all transitioned into permanent roles. They are currently based on vessels across the network and are from a variety of places including Benbecula, Eriskay, Bute, and Inverclyde.
Rian Campbell, 21, from Gourock, is a deck rating apprentice. He said: “I decided to apply for the CalMac modern apprentice scheme because it was an exciting opportunity to go to sea, which is something I have always wanted to do.
“I have just finished four weeks at college and a week at Stream Marine Training where I trained in subjects such as sea survival, firefighting and first aid.
“Being at sea is a whole new career path for me as I was a trained patisserie chef at one of the top golf courses in Scotland, Trump Turnberry. But for now, I think that my future is staying with CalMac.”
