CalMac's popular apprenticeship scheme is open for applications

CalMac’s popular modern apprenticeship scheme is now welcoming applications, and for Stornoway’s Angus Murray, working at sea runs in the family and is something he has wanted to do since childhood.

The 18-year-old had been working in a boatyard when he gained a place on the CalMac apprenticeship programme in September 2024.

He said: “One of my great grandfathers was in the Royal Navy, and another grandad had a fishing boat, and I always wanted to work at sea too. The CalMac course appealed to me, and I saw it as a great opportunity.

“I was working as a welder and fabricator in the shipyard, and that background has really helped me already during my engine apprenticeship on the vessels. I have been on MV Loch Seaforth and MV Isle of Lewis so far, and the engineers have been amazing.

“The support has been brilliant, I could not have asked for better people to work with, they have been great to get along with and I have made good friends. They have been a great source of information.

“My typical day on board starts with checking oil levels, working with a lot of valves, checking bilges to make sure that the levels are ok. I was recently trusted by the engineers to do some welding jobs, which was brilliant, it made me look forward to coming to work so much more.

“This role is really fulfilling, and I’d love to stay with CalMac and become an engineer.”

CalMac is a recognised leader of seagoing apprenticeships, named by the Merchant Navy Training Board as one of the top five UK companies for marine apprentice schemes.

The scheme is designed to help young people who are passionate about the maritime sector gain essential qualifications and the experience necessary for a successful career within the sector.

Upon completion of the programme, the apprentices will have an opportunity to transition into permanent roles with CalMac, based on vessels across the network.

There are currently two options within the programme – Engine Rating and Deck Rating. All apprentices will train and study between the City of Glasgow Nautical College and CalMac vessels for between 12 and 16 months.

This year, a shore-based mechanical engineering apprenticeship is also being offered.

Craig Ramsay, CalMac’s Fleet Management Director, said: “Our scheme is designed to help young people who are passionate about the maritime sector gain essential qualifications and the experience necessary for a successful career at sea. Gaining a spot on the CalMac Modern Apprenticeship programme is extremely rewarding and I would encourage anyone aged between 17 and 24 who are interested in a maritime career to apply.”

Applications will be open on the CalMac website from Monday 3 March-Monday 17 March. Apply here https://corporate.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/careers/modern-apprenticeships-and-work-experience/modern-apprenticeships/