Shipshape apprentices embark on new career

Bakkafrost Scotland’s first ever Able Seafarer Modern Apprentices have begun their journey to secure the skills needed for a nautical career.

Having completed the first phase of their training at the City of Glasgow College, Roddy MacNeil and Josh Macrae are now putting to good use what they have learned in the classroom aboard the Bakkanes.

In recent weeks, both have been learning some of the essential tasks needed to ensure the safe and efficient operation of a vessel at sea.

Roddy, 18, from Tanagasdale on the Isle of Barra, said: “Working at sea has been a dream of mine for a long time, having this chance with Bakkafrost is making it come true.

“The opportunity and experience Bakkafrost has offered has been amazing. Being on board for the first time was a challenge but the crew have made it a great working environment to learn and actually do hands on work.

“The course has also been really interesting and, of course, Glasgow is a big change from Barra.

“Being able to say I am one of Bakkafrost’s first ever Able Seafarer apprentices is an honour and an amazing opportunity.”

The apprenticeships will take around 24 months to complete and will consist of two college phases and two spells at sea. In total Roddy and Josh will complete 12 months of sea-time to secure the qualification.

Bakkafrost Scotland plays an important role bringing long-term quality employment to remote and rural communities, with more than 400 employees across 45 sites on the West Coast of Scotland, the Hebridean Islands and its head office in Edinburgh.

Josh, 21, from Stornoway said: “I’ve always wanted to work at sea and, when this opportunity came up, I grabbed it with both hands.”

The Bakkanes has recently returned to the fleet following a major refurbishment in the Faroe Islands, with the refit enabling the vessel to transport live smolts from Bakkafrost’s RAS facility in Applecross.

Its overhaul is part of a wider modification of the fleet that will see two new vessels delivered next year and set a new standard in health and safety.

Bakkafrost Scotland Managing Director Ian Laister said: “This is a very exciting new venture for us and part of our wider large smolt strategy being delivered through our Applecross facility.

“Investing in our people is fundamental to producing the finest quality salmon and we are consistently looking at how we can evolve our training and development offering, including through new apprenticeships like these.”

Chris Keenan, Dean of the Nautical & STEM Faculty at City of Glasgow College, said: “We are proud to welcome two Bakkafrost Scotland Modern Apprentices onto our Maritime Modern Apprenticeship, leading to a Diploma in Maritime Studies: Able Seafarer.

“This structured programme combines intensive college-based learning with sea service, ensuring apprentices develop the practical skills and knowledge required to thrive in the maritime sector.

“It is a great example of the high value of partnership between employers, apprentices and the college as we work together to strengthen Scotland’s maritime tradition and deliver the skilled workforce our industry needs for a successful future.”