CalMac has this week launched a recruitment drive to find Scotland’s best seagoing apprentice candidates.
It says it is seeking the most dedicated and enthusiastic 17–24-year-olds who have a genuine passion for starting an exciting maritime career.
CalMac 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 2024 intake are now open for 20 places on the two options within the programme – 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.
Benefits of joining the CalMac Modern Apprenticeship Programme include:
- They pay for your college, travel, accommodation and cover your meals when you are away from home – no student loans required.
- Off the job training at college.
- Excellent salary with increments throughout your training.
- On the job training by experienced professionals who will help you all the way.
- Two weeks at work and two weeks off working pattern.
- Your own personal mentor to support you with a career at sea.
- Company pension scheme.
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 places including Oban, Stornoway, Greenock and Bute.
Current apprentices joined the company scheme in September 2023.
Louise Lowrie, from Ardbeg on Bute, said: “I applied for the apprenticeship after seeing it advertised on Facebook.
“Even though I am from an island and see ferries every day, you don’t get to see the in-depth procedures about the way that they work, so I am looking forward to learning more about that. My goal is to become a captain one day.”
Applications close on Monday March 18 at 9am.
Apply here.
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