CAL MAC APPRENTICESHIP SUCCESS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: march 2014 :: RMTnews 25 RMT members Sean Hunter and Chris Burton told leading Scottish politicians about their experiences as Caledonian MacBrayne apprentices recently during a trade union week at the Scottish Parliament organised by the Scottish Trades Union Congress. The event also allowed MSPs to meet with constituents from local workplaces and shine a spotlight on the valuable contribution that trade unions make to civic society and the economy. RMT was invited by Scottish Union Learning to take part in a lunchtime event focussing on modern apprenticeships. RMT Highlands and Islands Lifelong Learning project worker Dan Henderson, RMT Cal Mac coordinator Brian Reynolds joined apprentices Sean and Chris to meet MSPs and staff to discuss the work that unions are doing to provide apprenticeships in Scotland. Chris and Sean spoke about their time at college in South Tyneside and how they were adapting to their new careers at sea in roles in the engine room and on deck. Both apprentices are in the second phase of their training and are currently working towards gaining two months sea time before returning to college for stage three. Both Chris and Sean are part of a group of ten apprentices working with CalMac after securing their places in a remarkable recruitment process which saw over one thousand people applying for places. Dan Henderson said that the STUC event was an excellent way to showcase the results that can be achieved working between trade unions and employers. “We will continue to work together to promote the sustainability of the Maritime Occupations Apprenticeships and look forward to many more coming into the industry in the years to come," he said. Brian Reynolds warned that unless the shipping companies and ferry operators recognise the importance of offering proper training opportunities akin to those that CalMac have, then maritime skills developed and passed on over decades were at risk of being lost. “This would be a further kick in teeth for the unemployed youth of today who would flourish if given the opportunities that should be available in the maritime industry,” he said. Both apprentices met with their constituency MSPs and others including Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond, all of whom were keen to hear how their training was progressing and how they were enjoying their new careers at sea. MSPs learned about the work that RMT is doing within the maritime industry in Scotland to promote modern apprenticeships and secure a regular intake. The initiative is the first of its kind in many years in the industry and has come about through the hard work of many people. Thanks must go to the RMT Western Isles Port Committee and in particular its chairperson, George Lonie who has worked tirelessly to help secure these opportunities. Scottish Union Learning manager Sylvia O’Grady was delighted to welcome the RMT delegation to the event. “RMT has worked closely with CalMac to successfully introduce modern apprenticeships and supports the delivery of learning into the maritime industry,” she said. Scottish Labour party leader Johann Lamont said that it was great to meet the CalMac apprentices. “The maritime industry has been the backbone of the Scottish economy for generations. “Indeed, my father was at sea all of his life and worked as a carpenter on the Mallaig to Skye ferry and the King George V cruise ship when I was growing up. “Initiatives like the CalMac apprenticeship scheme provide the maritime industry with an injection of youth, energy and talent, which helps to ensure that vital skills are preserved, allowing it to continue playing an important role in Scotland's future,” he said. Education and Lifelong Learning minister Michael Russell said that it was good to “meet two young people who, with the help of their employer and their trade union, are making such great use of these chances". APPRENTICE SUCCESS: (left to right) RMT members and CalMac apprentices Sean Hunter and Chris Gibson, Scottish Labour party leader Johann Lamont and Dan Henderson CAL MAC APPRENTICESHIP SUCCESS