Over 20 apprentices from UK port locations converged on Glasgow late May to receive mandatory firefighting and industry safety training from Northern Marine Group subsidiary Clyde Training Solutions.

Before the practical courses, the apprentices had received training covering the commercial aspects of their duties onboard.

Daniel Drummond, 21, from Belfast, said:

“The training is so different to anything I have experienced before. This apprenticeship is the best opportunity for me and It has been a great experience so far. I have learned a lot in a short-time and have enjoyed working with and getting to know others on the apprenticeship."

The training included Fire prevention and Fire Fighting, Personal Survival Techniques and Elementary First Aid amongst other courses.

The next step is for the trainees to complete their onboard familiarisation on the week commencing 5th June after which they will take up positions on the Superfast VII and Superfast VIII and start working towards their diplomas in Hospitality and Customer Care.

The apprenticeship recruitment process was conducted by Stena Line and Northern Marine Group, with assistance from PeoplePlus NI.