Sgoil Lionacleit students learn about marine career opportunities on board MV Hebrides

A group of five Sgoil Lionacleit pupils has benefited from a day's visit on board the MV Hebrides to learn more about potential careers at sea.

The visit was organised by the school's technical teacher Roddy MacNeil and CalMac Master Captain Michael MacNeil, who shares his time between MV Hebrides and her sister MV Clansman.

It was hoped that not only would it help the students to understand more about the scope of merchant navy opportunities, but that they would be able to prepare better for prospective interviews.

The five who attended for the round trip from Lochmaddy to Uig will be submitting applications various companies for cadetships in due course - four of the pupils are interested in a career in Marine Engineering with one expressing an interest in a Deck Officer cadetship. The pupils were given a thorough insight into everything from bridge operations to the engine room and the galley.

"It was a very worthwhile exercise with the pupils gaining a lot from the trip," said MV Hebrides Master Captain John Campbell. "The pupils were very grateful to CalMac and the ship's officers and crew for allowing the visit to take place and taking the time to explain various aspects ship board operations."

"There is nothing quite like having direct contact with a job," said Sgoil Lionacleit's Roddy MacNeil. "Being able to get first-hand experience within the marine environment like this - even just for a day - makes a huge difference.

"The students found it really useful and the ship's crew made it both informative and fun."

ENDS

Sent by:

Fiona Holland, PR Manager, Caledonian MacBrayne

Pictures show:

016 - Group photo with Master, chief engineer & third officer. Left to Right is Iain MacDonald (teacher), Affie Ahmad (third officer), Neil MacMillan (pupil), Andrew MacIssac (pupil), Scott MacDonald (pupil), Callum Binnie (pupil), Calum MacMillan (pupil), Louis MacLeod (chief engineer) and John A Campbell (Master)

009 - Second officer Steven Carroll explaining the bridge systems to the pupils

Notes to editors:

1) Further information about CalMac is available at www.calmac.co.uk

2) Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Ltd (CFL). Caledonian MacBrayne , CalMac and the lion rampant device are registered trademarks of Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL)and are used under licence by CalMac Ferries Ltd.