Next generation of seafarers join CalMac

Sixteen Modern Apprentices (MA) will soon be welcomed aboard by west coast ferry and harbour operator CalMac after successfully completing their training.

The Deck, Engine and Maritime Hospitality MAs will now all take up full time positions with the company.

CalMac works in partnership with City Of Glasgow College to deliver high end, industry tailored apprenticeships with classroom based training combined with practical on-board experience. 

CalMac recruited their 100th MA this year and the company's commitment to training the next generation of seafarers has seen the number of apprentices recruited annually more than double since 2016. 

Picture shows: CalMac's Director of Operations, Robert Morrison (L) and Mark Stagg, Dean of Nautical Science and STEM Faculty at City of Glasgow College (R) presented successful MAs with their certificates. 

Certificates were presented by Mark Stagg, Dean of Nautical Science and STEM Faculty at City of Glasgow College and CalMac's Director of Operations, Robert Morrison.
 
'Our training programmes are an important source of skilled labour for us. Having a pipeline of recruits ensures we are able to continue to seamlessly deliver a consistently high standard of service for customers,' said Robert.
 
'It also gives us the opportunity to provide well paid, high value jobs that help support the often fragile economies of the communities we support.'
 
CalMac operates a fleet of 33 vessels across a network of 49 routes serving island and remote mainland communities. It is the UK's largest ferry operator. Last year they carried more than 5.6 million passengers and around 1.4 million vehicles.
 
'These qualifications are an excellent foundation for starting a life at sea, whatever direction their career takes them,' added Robert. 

The Merchant Navy Training Board recently named CalMac Ferries as one of the top five UK companies for maritime apprenticeships.