New cadets embark on three-year training
A NEW intake of 30 students – 14 deck cadets and 16 engineer cadets – have started their training at the NAFC Marine Centre, in Scalloway, as part of the Merchant Navy officer cadet programme.
Head of the Shetland School of Nautical Studies Jan Rigden said: “We are delighted that – once again – we have a full complement of cadets joining our programme, with 12 students from Shetland, two from Orkney, three from the Western Isles and 13 from the Scottish mainland.
“It is always pleasing to see a good mix of candidates from both within and outwith Shetland, which demonstrates that the reputation and awareness of our training programme and facilities continue to grow.”
The course gives cadets the opportunity to put theory into practice with alternating periods at sea and in the classroom.
The students are sponsored by a variety of training and shipping companies such as Clyde Marine, Ship Safe Training Group and Marineco.
“We are continually receiving requests to increase our intake from sponsors, who recognise the quality of training the cadets receive here in Shetland.
“In response to this demand, we have introduced a second deck intake in February each year; however we are very much hampered by the lack of affordable accommodation for cadets once our own rooms are full,” he said.
Keep Shetland’s news open to everyone
Your membership helps us report the stories that matter to Shetland — and keep them free for everyone to read.
Already a member? Sign in.
