A TEENAGER from Millport says he can't wait to learn and adopt new skills after sealing an opportunity to become an apprentice with Caledonian MacBrayne.
The latest young recruits to earn a place on the Gourock-based ferry firm's popular modern apprentices' scheme have started their training for a maritime career, with 19-year-old Jonathan Bryceland from Cumbrae among the latest intake.
A total of 20 people aged 17-24 from across the CalMac network have joined the popular course, which has trained more than 150 apprentices since it was created in 2013.
"CalMac has a reputation as a good place to work and I am looking forward to seeing different parts of Scotland, as well as learning new skills.”
This year's batch of intakes come from Islay, Port Glasgow, Barra, Coll, Kilmarnock, Oban, Ardrossan, Lewis, Harris, Millport, Greenock, and elsewhere in North Ayrshire.
CalMac is a recognised leader of seagoing apprenticeships, named by the Merchant Navy training board as one of the top five UK companies for marine apprentice schemes.
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.
Upon completion of the programme, the apprentices will have an opportunity to transition into permanent roles with CalMac, based on vessels across the network.
There are currently two options within the programme – engine rating and deck rating. All apprentices will train and study between the City of Glasgow Nautical College and CalMac vessels for between 12 and 16 months.
Craig Ramsay, fleet management director for CalMac, said: “Welcome aboard to our 2024 intake of apprentices, 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.
“Gaining a spot on the CalMac modern apprenticeship programme is extremely rewarding, they gain valuable work experience while also completing courses at college.”
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