Find your sea legs with a career at CalMac

Young people who are keen on a seagoing career are being encouraged to apply for the popular CalMac Modern Apprenticeship Programme.

CalMac is a recognised leader of seagoing apprenticeships – the Merchant Navy Training Board named it as one of the top five UK companies for maritime apprentice schemes. A total of 120 young people have trained through the scheme since it was set up in 2013.

Applications for the 2022 intake will open on 7 March and a social media campaign highlighting all aspects of the programme will run across all online channels, including TikTok and Instagram.

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, and most importantly, with CalMac. Feedback tells us that this programme is highly rewarding, and it makes great business sense – especially when those who qualify go on to become employed by the company.

There are three options within the programme – Engine Deck Rating, Retail and Catering, and Deck Rating. All apprentices will train and study at the City of Glasgow College on courses of between 12 and 30 months.

Last year, the Deck Rating Trainees all transitioned into permanent roles as Seaman 1b’s, the Engine Rating Trainees into permanent roles as Motormen, and the Retail Rating Trainees into permanent roles as Senior Catering Ratings. They are currently based on vessels across the network and are from communities including the Isle of Lewis, Eriskay, Campbeltown, Greenock, Mull, Taynuilt, Coll and Benbecula.