Three Oban men are among the latest future mariners to be selected for CalMac’s modern apprenticeship programme.
Cameron Hill, 21, Lewis Baker who is 17, and 21-year-old Iain MacIntosh have now started their maritime journey.
They and the other new recruits who successfully applied for the sought-after scheme are training at college in Glasgow before moving onto the fleet’s major vessels for the practical part of their course.
Over 18 months they will train at college and on the job to get essential qualifications.
This year’s apprentices are from places such as Stornoway, Harris, Greenock, Dunoon and Inverkip.
Oban’s Cameron Hill said: “I had heard that CalMac is a great company to work for and I was really pleased to be selected. I am a deck trainee and am really looking forward to going to sea. I would love to work my way up in the company as far as possible.”
Lewis Baker said CalMac has always been a big part of his life and his family encouraged him to apply. “I am an engineering apprentice and have always had an interest in engines, so this will give me a good insight. I hope to have a long career with the company,” he added.
Iain MacIntosh has already been working for CalMac as a port assistant. He said: “I have always wanted a career at sea and working on the pier at Oban was a good stepping stone. I am looking forward to meeting new people.”
Once the programme is completed, apprentices will have an opportunity to move into permanent roles as Navigational Watch Ratings or Engine Room Watch Ratings on vessels across the network.
Wendy McAnerney who is learning and development manager for CalMac, said: “I am delighted to welcome our 2023 intake of apprentices and I wish them all the very best during their time with CalMac. They will gain valuable work experience, working alongside highly-skilled crew members, which will set them up for a career at sea. The programme is a great career development opportunity for young people from our localities, as it also provides new jobs and supports the local economy.”
Caption: The Oban intake – Lewis Baker, Iain MacIntosh, Cameron Hill
NO-T40-Obanintke-2023-CalMacapprentices
The new round of recruits for CalMac’s Modern Apprenticeships programme.