CalMac training comes closer to home for apprentices

A new link up with City of Glasgow College means all ferry operator CalMac's engineering and deck apprentices will now be trained in Scotland.

Previously the 10 Modern Apprentices currently taken on every year were required to travel to South Shields Marine College near Newcastle for the desk based part of their training.

The new agreement with the College's Faculty of Nautical Studies will mean the apprentices will be able to study closer to home in working towards their SQA level 5 in Maritime Studies.

CalMac's Director of Human Resources, Christine Roberts said:

'I'm delighted to welcome our latest batch of apprentices and look forward to building a strong relationship with City of Glasgow College.

'Not only is it a world class facility at the newly opened Riverside Campus, it will also make it significantly more convenient for apprentices going home at weekends something that was just not practical with our previous training provider down south.'

'As part of our winning bid to run the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service contract we committed to increasing the numbers of Modern Apprentices we employ and this new relationship with the College will be an important step towards helping us achieve this.'

Picture shows: CalMac Modern Apprentices start their new course at the City of Glasgow College Faculty of Nautical Studies.

The College's Faculty of Nautical Studies offers a wide range of courses for seafarers from mandatory training to professional development.

Angus Ferguson, Curriculum Head (Nautical), City of Glasgow College, said:

"City of Glasgow College is the only the college in Scotland offering a Modern Apprenticeship for Deck and Engineering Ratings. We are proud to be partnering CalMac in this project which will enhance the maritime skills base in Scotland.

"The state of the art facilities at our Riverside campus, including Scotland's only 360 degree shipping simulation suite and one of UK's most modern working ships engine rooms, have allowed us to develop this course which trains our students in vital skills that will benefit communities and the local economy."

The current intake of six deck ratings and four engineering will spend an initial four weeks in Glasgow before joining a vessel for on the job training.

Modern Apprentice Cameron MacCuish from Oban said:

'I'm really looking forward to the course and the opportunity to combine it with hands on experience on board. A Modern Apprenticeship gives the best of both worlds on the job training and college qualifications, that's what attracted me to it. It's a great first step towards building a long career and CalMac is great company to start with.'