Ferguson Marine to expand apprentice programme after vessel announcement

Ferguson Marine, the Government-owned shipyard in Port Glasgow, has said it is expanding its apprenticeship programme following the announcement that it could build four more vessels.

Deputy first minister Kate Forbes last week revealed plans to directly award the shipyard contracts for two smaller ferries and two fishery support vessels.

Ferguson Marine has come under intense scrutiny around the late and over-budget delivery of the ferries, the Glen Sannox and its sister vessel Glen Rosa.

The Glen Sannox was delivered last year, with the Glen Rosa not due to be handed over until the end of 2026.

The total cost for both ferries is closing in on four times more than the initial £97.5 million contract.

The announcement last week was intended to give Ferguson Marine, which was nationalised in 2019, a “bridge to the future” as it seeks new orders.

It has now confirmed 24 apprentices will be hired in two windows during August this year and January 2027.

Forbes said: “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.

“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.”

Forbes is due to visit the yard on Wednesday.

Graeme Thomson, chief executive of Ferguson Marine, said: “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.

“This round of recruitment will be essential to our modernisation and transformation plans, ensuring that the Clyde-built seal of quality remains at the heart of everything we do.”

On Tuesday, Mr Thomson told MSPs he has “high confidence” the Glen Rosa will not face any further delays or cost overruns – but he could not provide a guarantee.

Edward Mountain, who is convener of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, challenged his claims and said: “I’m not convinced by any of the arguments you’ve given.”