THE latest young recruits to earn a place on CalMac’s popular modern apprentices' scheme - including a selection from North Ayrshire - have started their training for a maritime career.

A total of 20 people aged 17-24 from across the CalMac network have joined the popular course, which has trained more than 150 apprentices since it was created in 2013.

And the latest recruits include apprentices from Ardrossan, Kilmarnock and Millport.

The Gourock-based ferry firm 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.

Craig Ramsay, fleet management director for CalMac, said: “Welcome aboard to our 2024 intake of apprentices, we 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.

“Gaining a spot on the CalMac modern apprenticeship programme is extremely rewarding, they gain valuable work experience while also completing courses at college.”

Jonathan Bryceland, 19, from Millport, said: “I travelled on the ferry to school every day and realise how important it is to the community.

"CalMac has a reputation as a good place to work and I am looking forward to seeing different parts of Scotland, as well as learning new skills.”

Nairn Roy, from Kilmarnock, said: “It’s a good career, I hope to go onto a full-time job with CalMac.

"A nine to five job has never appealed to me, and it will be great going out to sea.”

Ryan Tierney, 17, from Bute, added: “I have always been interested in working for CalMac and am really looking forward to the training.

"The working pattern of two weeks on board and then two weeks at home really appeals to me.”

Lauren Moore, from Oban, is 23 and is training to be an engine rating.

She said: “I have been brought up around engines, my dad is a mechanical engineer, and I really enjoyed that.

"It will be great to learn new skills and gain qualifications.”