Ferguson Marine has announced its largest apprenticeship recruitment drive in five years, with plans to take on 24 new apprentices as the Clyde shipyard prepares for a potential pipeline of government-backed vessel contracts.
The Port Glasgow yard confirmed that apprentices will be recruited in two phases, with ten positions beginning in August 2026 and a further 14 starting in January 2027. The announcement comes shortly after the Scottish Government proposed directly awarding Ferguson Marine contracts for four new vessels, including two ferries for the CalMac fleet and two specialist ships for Marine Scotland.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes opened the latest round of applications during a visit to the yard, describing the expansion of the programme as an important step in securing the future of shipbuilding on the Clyde. “Ferguson Marine’s announcement of new apprenticeships is a significant boost to the yard and the local community, bringing opportunities for young people to learn highly skilled in-demand jobs while building their futures close to home,” Forbes said.
She linked the recruitment drive directly to the proposed vessel contracts announced the previous week. “My announcement last week of the proposal to award four new vessels to the yard gives a stable pipeline of work, greater career certainty and retains Scotland’s long Scottish shipbuilding history while looking to the long-term future.”
The apprenticeships will span a range of shipyard trades including welding, fabrication, electrical work, engineering and operations. The recruitment expansion is also supported by a £14.2 million Scottish Government investment intended to modernise facilities at the yard and improve productivity.
Chief Executive Graeme Thomson said the programme plays a central role in sustaining shipbuilding skills. “Our apprentices are the lifeblood of this shipyard. I was an electrical apprentice, and we now have the certainty in our pipeline to give other young people the same chance I had at the start of my career.”
He added that the recruitment round would support the yard’s wider transformation efforts. “This round of recruitment will be essential to our modernisation and transformation plans ensuring that the Clydebuilt seal of quality remains at the heart of everything we do.”
Since the yard was nationalised in 2019, Ferguson Marine has recruited and trained 86 apprentices. The programme is overseen by apprentice coordinator Frances Rice, who said many of those joining the yard come from families with long ties to Clyde shipbuilding. “Many of our apprentices have a deep family history in shipbuilding, and it is a privilege to support this next generation as they carry on the proud tradition of building world-class vessels on the Clyde.”
Applications for the first ten apprenticeship places are now open through the Ferguson Marine website, with a second intake for January 2027 expected to open later this year.
Meanwhile, we’ve found out over the last few days that Glen Sannox needs £3.2m worth of maintainence work after just 1 year in service. Including new propellors which are apparently inducing such violent cavitations when in reverse that they’ve caused cracked welds in the hull. Glen Rosa which hasn’t even been delivered yet, will require the same work.
I’m not necessarily throwing mud at Fergussons as I know the whole procurement was a debarcle from beginning to end thanks to the government.
But I’ve got to ask, HOW? How can this ferry need this much work after just 12 months in service. I know the marine environment is harsh but this seems more than a little excessive. I would welcome an explanation from someone who knows more about this than me.