Mechanical Engineering Apprentice
Under the guidance of the Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will complete a modern apprenticeship programme, combining formal education, practical training, and workplace experience to achieve a nationally recognised Mechanical Engineering Diploma.

Role overview
- Reports to: Senior Mechanical Engineer
- Start date: September 2025
- Salary: Competitive salary of £19,000 per annum
- Location: CalMac’s Engineering Workshop (Fauld's Park, Gourock) and City of Glasgow College (term-time)
- Course duration: 4 years
- Shift pattern: Weekdays
- Age: 17 - 24
- Application close: 5pm on Monday 17 March 2025
Please note: Applications open at 9am on Monday 3 March and closes at 5pm on Monday 17 March 2025
The application process was easy to go through, I would highly recommend it to others. The role appealed to me because I was interested in seeing how the vessels work, and the role has lots of flexibility. I have enjoyed life at college, particularly the firefighting course and survival techniques. I like the mixture of studying and on-the-job learning.
Ryan Tierney, Rothesay
School leaver
Work Experience
You will gain invaluable workplace experience working alongside a highly skilled and experienced team with a broad range of knowledge and expertise. This exciting opportunity will allow you to develop your skills not only in the workshop but also on CalMac's vessels across the network, providing a diverse and dynamic learning environment.
Be aware: Unfortunately you can't apply if, at the time of the start of our apprenticeship programme, you are already on an employment, training or enterprise scheme that's received engineering qualifications funding by the government or Skills Development Scotland.
Key tasks and principal accountabilities
As an apprentice, you will take on a variety of key tasks that are essential for successfully completing the apprenticeship programme, including:
- Actively engage in studies and achieve the required academic and workplace milestones to obtain the Mechanical Engineering Diploma.
- Ensure timely completion of work experience tasks, assessments, and reports as required by the programme.
- Undertake workplace training and orientation to ensure safe working in the Engineering Workshop and on CalMac vessels
- Gain key work experience with CalMac’s Mechanical Engineering team
The apprentice will have the opportunity to: study at the City of Glasgow College, who proudly offer one of the most comprehensive ranges of work-based learning opportunities in Scotland.
The following qualifications are on offer as part of this apprenticeship:
- SVQ Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations (SCQF Level 5)
- National Certificate in Engineering (SCQF Level 6)
- Diploma in Engineering (SCQF Level 7)
Apprentices will split their time between work and training. This typically includes a mix of on-the-job training and formal learning carried out both on campus and remotely.
The Apprentice will get hands-on training and develop industry-specific essential skills in the College’s state of the art workshops and training facilities on campus. The programme runs over a 4 year period.