Ferguson Shipyard takes on 150 new apprentices

A CLYDE shipyard saved from closure two years ago is to take on 150 new apprentices, it has been announced.

Ferguson shipyard, which will welcome 150 new apprentices. Picture: John Devlin

The jobs boost has come from Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd, with the apprentices forming the growth strategy of the Inverclyde-based engineering and shipbuilding firm.

The SNP’s Roseanna Cunningham, Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, said: “Employing modern apprentices is helping to create a dynamic and experienced workforce to help Scotland’s industries thrive.

“This announcement is great news not only for Ferguson Marine, and the young people that will benefit, but also for Scotland as a whole.

A ship docked at the Ferguson yard for repairs. Picture: John Devlin

“Modern Apprentices are key to delivering economic development and essential in providing our young people with opportunities to develop skills and gain employment.

“Since this Government came into office in 2007 more than 190,000 MA starts have been delivered and this Government is committed to supporting young people towards jobs and apprenticeships, with an aim to have 30,000 new opportunities each year by 2020.”

Ferguson Marine Managing Director, Liam Campbell, added: “Apprenticeships are extremely important to us and our business, forming the backbone of our future growth.

A ship docked at the Ferguson yard for repairs. Picture: John Devlin

“We are a company experiencing rapid growth and change that will ensure our position as a leading European fabricator in offshore, subsea, renewables and shipbuilding.”

Part of the government’s apprenticeship strategy is to encourage both young men and women to take up varied career paths.

Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which runs from 29 February until 4 March, is organised by Skills Development Scotland and is designed to highlight the benefits apprenticeships bring to businesses, individuals and the wider Scots economy.

Louise Larkin, a current apprentice at Ferguson Marine, said: “It is refreshing to be treated the same as the guys and I would like to encourage more girls to go for a career in engineering, especially when it is such an exciting time for Ferguson Marine and the Inverclyde.”

Ferguson Marine was bought over by Clyde Blowers Capital two years ago and has approximately £110m worth of orders secured for the future.

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