Modern Apprenticeship FAQs

If you're aged 17-24 you can apply to become a CalMac Modern Apprentice. We need you to be aged 17-24 because of safety restrictions on board. Unfortunately, you can't apply if, at the time of the start of our apprenticeship programme, you are:

• At school, college or university (full-time or part-time)
• Already on an employment, training or enterprise scheme that's received maritime qualifications funding by the government or Skills Development Scotland

Recruitment for our Seagoing Modern Apprenticeship Programme opens in March each year. Please note that we only accept online application forms, and these will be available on our Seagoing Modern Apprenticeships page, within the recruitment window. More information can be found by emailing vacancies@davidmacbraynehr.co.uk.

Visit our Seagoing Modern Apprenticeships page

Please note: The recruitment process for our 2024 Modern Apprenticeship intake is now closed. Check back in early 2025 for information on next year's intake. 

The recruitment process is in four stages:

1. Online application form – your time to shine on paper! 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.
2. Online/telephone interview – your time to tell us about you! You can choose the best communication style for you, and this can be done by telephone, Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
3. Individual interview – at this third step you will have the opportunity to show us what you've got by taking part in an individual interview. You will also have an opportunity to meet some of our technical, marine and retail teams.
4. Decision time – we will get in touch to let you know the outcome of your application.

All going well, you will find out if you have secured a Modern Apprenticeship with us in June of the year you applied.

Your programme typically starts at the beginning of September, with a week-long induction programme followed by your first phase of college courses.

Deck and Engine Rating Trainee courses last 18-20 months.

You will be required to attend college at different stages throughout your training. Don't worry if you don't live near Glasgow, as we cover all your costs including travel, accommodation, and food. If accommodation is required, you will normally stay in the halls of residence at the college. You may share a kitchen and living area with other people who are on the course with you, but you will always have your own bedroom.

This depends on what Modern Apprenticeship Programme you are following. All of our seagoing programmes follow the Certificate in Maritime Studies – the units you study will follow the department you work in.

Please visit the Scottish Qualification Association website for more information.

We don't ask for any formal qualifications to apply for the course, but you should feel comfortable with a National 4 level of Maths and English.

Depending on the Modern Apprenticeship Programme you are following, there will be some examinations, especially for Deck and Engine Rating Trainees. You will be given ample notice, support from the college and study time – these will take place during your college time. The college will also provide support for any additional support needs to ensure the apprentice can successfully complete their assessments.

Yes, if you are part of a seagoing programme, this will be the main part of your training. Once you have completed your first phase at college, you will be placed on one of our vessels.

On the vessel, you will be given your own cabin facilities and will live, study and work on board the vessel as part of the crew. You will work on a two weeks on, two weeks off basis. During your two weeks off, you will not be expected to work or study – you can go home and relax.

You will have downtime when you are on board – this is your time to do what you like. You will of course be able to take your mobile phone/tablet/laptop with you on board. Internet connection is not always 100% – it depends on where you are in our network, but you will have access to our WiFi.  You will be able to be make calls and in case of emergencies calls can be made directly to and from the vessel that you are on.

We supply you with a uniform including safety footwear. For college, you will also be provided with a CalMac uniform including the appropriate workwear.

Caledonian MacBrayne operates throughout the west of Scotland, we have around 35 vessels in our fleet. We will pay your costs if you need to travel to the port/vessel you will be working on.

You will be placed on a vessel that will be the most beneficial for your development, as much as we would like to place you as close to home as we can, this is not always possible.

You will be paid well above the industry average, and your salary will increase as your training goes on. More information can be found in the role overview section for each programme:

View our Deck Rating Trainee role overview

View our Engine Rating Trainee role overview

Yes, you still get annual leave on top of working two weeks on and two weeks off.

Initially, your contract will be for the duration of your Modern Apprenticeship Programme. There will be opportunities to join our crew on a permanent contract once you have successfully completed the programme. We are very proud of our track record of 100% of our apprentices securing permanent roles within our fleet upon successful completion of their programme.