CalMac Ferries Sea-going Modern Apprenticeships

PLANNING YOUR FUTURE WITH CALMAC FERRIES Careers Guide 2021 for Seagoing Modern Apprenticeships

www.calmac.co.uk/careers/ modern-apprenticeships

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A GREAT CHANCE TO BUILD YOUR CAREER The decisions about your future career are some of the most important choices you will make. We’ve all been there. That’s why the team at CalMac Ferries is committed to developing and training people from across the communities we serve.

If you are now ready to make your career choice, our highly sought-after Modern Apprenticeship Programme may be right for you. We are very proud of our programme and feedback tells us that it is a highly rewarding experience for apprentices.

Our programme also makes great business sense especially when those who qualify go on to have a successful career within CalMac. .

We do not ask for any formal qualifications for our programmes, but we do look for passion, enthusiasm and a genuine interest in the maritime industry.

Watch our video and read on to find out more about our Seagoing Modern Apprenticeship Programme.

CAREERS

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CHOOSE YOUR SEAGOING MODERN APPRENTICESHIP

ENGINE RATING APPRENTICE As an Engine Rating you will work on the day to day monitoring and maintenance of the engines and equipment in the engine room, as well as maintenance activities elsewhere on the ship. You will also be involved in cleaning, lubricating, repairing and fitting new or refurbished parts under direction of engineering officers. This programme begins in September and takes approximately 18-24 months to complete.Upon successful completion of this Modern Apprenticeship in Maritime Studies (Engine) at SCQF Level 5, you will also be awarded an Engine Room Watch Rating Certificate, while working towards your Certificate of Proficiency as Able Seafarer Engine.

START HERE STEP FOUR

STEP THREE

Decision Time We will get in touch with you to let you know the outcome of your application. Well done to those who have been successful in the process! We will be in touch to discuss all the details you need to prepare to join us. Our apprenticeships are very popular and unfortunately we cannot accommodate everyone. If you have not been successful, we would welcome your application next year and of course, we would also be happy to provide feedback upon request. We wish you all the best of success in your next steps!

Assessment Centre You will have done very well to get this far. At this third step, you will have the opportunity to show us what you’ve got by taking part in a range of activities and an individual interview.

You will also have an opportunity to meet some of our technical, marine and retail teams.

TRAINING PROCESS

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CAREERS

PHASED TRAINING

PHASE ONE

PHASE TWO

Our seagoing Modern Apprenticeship programmes are split into distinct phases.

You will attend college and serve aboard a wide range of our vessels.

Beginning in September of each year, our programme kicks off with an Induction Session for all new apprentices. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow apprentices. You will then attend college to train in practical and theoretical elements of your programme. All seagoing apprentices will go through mandatory onboard safety certification while working alongside other students and staff in different specialisms.

Time to go to sea. You will be assigned to a series of vessels to broaden your experience by working with different teams in a range of environments. This provides an opportunity to gain experience working in teams, complete your Training Record Book and build up your sea time.

Assessors from the College will support you on-board to ensure you are progressing.

RETAIL AND CATERING APPRENTICE As a Retail Rating your focus will be on looking after our customers. Our retail crew have the critical customer-facing role of ensuring our passengers enjoy a stress free journey.

You will work in our food and drink outlets and ensure the ship is kept in great condition for your passengers and fellow crew. This programme begins in September and takes one year to complete. Upon completion of this Modern Apprenticeship in Hospitality Services at SCQF Level 5, you will also have completed essential Maritime Safety Certification.

DECK RATING APPRENTICE As a Deck Rating you will be part of the mooring operations team and once fully qualified, you will steer the ship and also act as a look-out on the bridge. Our Deck Ratings also assist with the operation and maintenance of the ship’s deck equipment. The programme begins in September and takes approximately 18-24 months to complete. Upon completion of this Modern Apprenticeship in Maritime Studies (Deck) at SCQF Level 5, you will also be awarded a Navigational Watch Rating Certificate, while working towards your Certificate of Proficiency as Able Seafarer Deck.

STEP TWO

STEP ONE

Online/telephone interview Getting to know our candidates is the basis of the second step. Are you ready to stand out from the crowd? We will contact shortlisted applicants for a virtual short interview which is an opportunity for you to tell us more about yourself.

Online application form Your time to shine! We are not looking for qualifications; we are looking for you to show us your enthusiasm and passion for the role you are applying for.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

PHASE THREE

PHASE FOUR

PHASE FIVE

For our deck and engine apprentices it is back to college for approximately four weeks to continue the practical and theoretical elements of your apprenticeship. Classroom based workshops and assessments are carried out and it also gives you a chance to catch up with your fellow apprentices! Retail apprentices continue to complete their assessments on board our vessels.

Back to sea. Time to put your learning into practise and work on completing your Training Record Book. For Retail Modern Apprentice’s this is your final phase and the end of your training.

This is the last phase for Deck and Engine Apprentices to complete essential training and assessments with the support of the college. Upon completion, you will be awarded certificates which will qualify you as a Deck or Engine Rating. This will be the end of your training.

GRADUATION

CAREERS

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ENGINE RATING APPRENTICE “I was attracted to the CalMac Ferries programme because I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn new things, and a great chance to build a good career. It also helped that I would be working within a reasonable distance from where I live.

“At college, I thought it had pretty much everything I needed to learn about going to sea, and the accommodation also had everything I needed, too.

“The aspect I most enjoyed was working in the engine room in college. I think I learned the most through this particular part of the course. The room was well equipped with a running engine and different kit such as generators and electrical switchboards. It was an excellent example of what I would be doing aboard the ship.

“In addition, the lecturers at college were very knowledgeable and good to deal with.”

Daniel MacIntyre - Motorman Engine Rating Apprentice Graduate

“THE ASPECT I MOST ENJOYED WAS WORKING IN THE ENGINE ROOM IN COLLEGE” To find out more about our Engine Rating Apprenticeship, check out our video.

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RETAIL AND CATERING RATING APPRENTICE “The Retail and Catering Apprenticeship programme was an amazing experience and a great start to our new careers at sea. I’m very pleased and proud that I had the chance to be part of it, especially considering it’s the first ever catering apprenticeship provided by CalMac Ferries.

“I was attracted to the programme because it felt like a great opportunity to work for a company that I was very familiar with as a frequent passenger on board CalMac ships. I knew it would be a good job for me, and many refer to it as a ‘job for life’, so I didn’t think twice before applying.

"What I received in return was a year of great training, exciting courses, the modern and well equipped facilities of City of Glasgow College, brilliant tutors and an excellent experience overall.

“I would recommend the Apprenticeship programme to anyone who thinks they would enjoy working at sea.

With CalMac, you’ll be working in great conditions and among friendly and helpful crew. I was making new friends and learning new skills constantly.

"Working on board CalMac vessels gave me an amazing opportunity to develop my customer service knowledge and push myself to do things I never thought I’d be able to do. And now a year later, I’m enjoying my job more than ever and looking forward to my career while traveling around Scotland.”

Inna Georgieva - Senior Catering Rating Retail and Catering Apprentice Graduate

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"I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME TO ANYONE WHO THINKS THEY WOULD ENJOY WORKING AT SEA"

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"EACH OF US ARE COMING OUT OF THIS PROCESS MORE QUALIFIED AND MORE EXPERIENCED" "Through my Retail Rating Apprenticeship, I have gained valuable knowledge about working at sea – all of which are vital to doing the job well. This includes things I would never have known or even thought about before.

“My apprenticeship opened my eyes to how dangerous an environment we work in but also to how CalMac Ferries has made sure I’m well equipped to cope with anything.

"Each crew member I have worked with has been more than welcoming. The rotation between vessels has meant that I get to understand the varying characteristics, routes and passengers’ needs of each route.

"I know each of us are coming out of this process more qualified, more experienced and with the possibility of a fantastic career for life, with the scope to rise through the ranks."

Craig Evans - Senior Catering Rating Retail and Catering Apprentice Graduate

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DECK RATING APPRENTICE ‘I took the opportunity to apply to CalMac and now I have a potentially rewarding career. I have people asking me how I got here and being an apprentice gives me a great sense of achievement and confidence.

The college provides me with all the resources I need to achieve my learning modules and they give extra support if I need it. The lecturers are excellent, and they have a great knowledge of the maritime industry. I still contact my lecturer when I am at sea and she always has great information to help me stay on track.

The facilities at the college are amazing, from the bottom to the top floors, they are clean, and they have a modern style and look to them. I enjoy meeting new friends at college and the social facilities at the college are very stylish and comfortable.

I enjoy working with the crew and being able to see some of Scotland’s breath-taking sights. When you start your seatime, the crew always make you feel welcome and help you with your training. I have made great friends and I can't wait to meet more in the time coming.

WORKING AT CALMAC HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY

Working at CalMac has been an incredible journey. It's enabled me to develop new skills and I have greater confidence in myself. The best thing I like about working as a deck rating apprentice is that it’s not your average day to day job, it offers challenging tasks, everyday isn't the same and you learn great skills.’

Stephen Cassidy Deck Rating Apprentice

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To find out more about our Deck Rating Apprenticeship, check out our video.

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Further information To find out more about CalMac Ferries or our Modern Apprenticeship opportunities in and around the communities we serve, please check our website:

www.calmac.co.uk/careers/ modern-apprenticeships