A fleet of young people are starting their maritime career on the CalMac modern apprenticeship programme.
A total of 20 people from across the ferry network successfully applied for the sought-after scheme and are currently training at college in Glasgow.
They will soon move onto the fleet’s major vessels for the practical part of their course.
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 with CalMac.
Enthusiastic about their jobs
This year’s intake includes people from places such as Stornoway, Benbecula, North Uist, Greenock and Rothesay.
Tanya Mackay, from Stornoway, said: “Having spoken to those working for CalMac and that have gone through the apprenticeship, they’ve always been positive and enthusiastic about their jobs.
“I am looking forward to learning new skills and doing a job that is varied each day. I like the idea of working for two weeks and then being back home for two weeks, and this gives me the chance to stay on the Isle of Lewis and not move away.”
Tanya’s sister, Natalie, is also on the programme.
Natalie, 18, a school leaver, said: “I enjoyed studying maritime at school, as well as hospitality and health and food technology.
“When I saw this apprenticeship being advertised, I thought that it would be a good balance between those subjects.
“This was my main reason for applying. I really enjoyed our trip to the Caley Isles during the first week and seeing what the job consists of.
“It’s also good to be on this course with people who are training in different areas, it gives me an idea of what those roles involve.”
Job is good for meeting people
John A MacLean, 23, Lochmaddy, who worked as a port assistant at Lochmaddy for four and a half years, said: “I thought that it would be a good career move to get onto the vessels, and I am looking forward to getting onto the ferries and meeting more people.”
Upon completion of the programme, apprentices will have an opportunity to move into permanent roles. They will then be based on vessels across the network.
All apprentices will train and study at the City of Glasgow College on courses of between 12 and 16 months.
Wendy McAnerney, learning and development manager for CalMac, said: “Welcome aboard to our 2022 intake of apprentices, and we wish them all the very best during their time with CalMac.
“They will gain valuable work experience, working alongside highly skilled crew members, which will set them up for a career at sea.
“The programme is a great career development opportunity for young people from our localities, as it also provides new jobs and supports the local economy.”
Conversation