Case Studies

We are proud of what our apprentices have achieved. Meet some of them as they tell their stories about how their hard work and determination as well as passion has helped them achieve their goals.

Craig MacRitchie - Engine Rating Apprentice

"My name is Craig MacRitchie I am 17 years old and am a crofter on the Isle of Lewis. I have just recently started an apprenticeship as a motorman with Caledonian MacBrayne working on MV Loch Seaforth.

"I started the apprenticeship in September 2022. At the start of my apprenticeship, I went to nautical college for four weeks to complete all my short courses then I started a rota off two weeks on two weeks off on the MV Loch Seaforth to gain my sea time. I am really enjoying working on the ship no two days are the same as there lots of various jobs to do and I am gaining knowledge everyday about the daily running and maintenance of the ship's engines.

My plan with CalMac is to finish my apprentice and hopefully gain a full time job as a motorman and stay with the company for a lifelong career at sea."

Wendy McAnerney, Learning and Development Manager

"Our modern apprentices 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."

Rian Campbell, - Deck Rating Apprentice

Rian Campbell, 21 and 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."

Tanya Mackay - Deck Rating Apprentice

Tanya Mackay, 22 and from Stornoway, is a Deck Rating Apprentice. She said: "I'd absolutely recommend this apprenticeship with CalMac. It gives you a good work/life balance and working for CalMac comes with many benefits. The crew are very supportive and will help you throughout your training".

female deck trainee

Alex Yallop - Deck Rating Apprentice

Alex Yallop, 23 and from Kilwinning, is also a Deck Rating Apprentice. He said: "I am enjoying all the hands-on learning and support from the rest of the crew on board too. College is also good because it gives you an understanding of what to expect on board.

"I applied because I have always had a passion for working at sea on boats and never wanted an ordinary 9-5 job and this offers exactly that doing different things each day.

"I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to do something different working alongside other people who has a passion for boats or the communities we serve."