“I decided to utilise the degree that I had got in electrical engineering to work ashore for a few years.”

“Having experienced for a period working at sea for three months and then enjoying three months back I had really enjoyed it. Then whilst working onshore for a number of years I found that I really missed being at sea and that’s what lead me to finding the best route back – which was to complete a Merchant Navy cadetship.”

“The sea has always been very much around me.”

“I come from an island off the north-west coast of Scotland and I’m originally from the Isle of Lewis. Boats have always been in my life be that for fishing or the lifeline that the ferries provide for us. There has always been a family connection to the sea around us, and my grandfather played a part in the Arctic convoys during WW2.”

Michael as a mature student studied at Glasgow College on the HND ETO program.

“My experience there was very positive. I have a number of friends that did cadetships years ago and they really enjoyed and have spoken positively about it. I have just completed my electro-technical training – and from an academic side it was a very positive experience. They prepare you prior to your first sea phase so you know what to expect and are ready to join the vessel. And having been onboard you come back to college with everything you have learned at sea, and it ties in with your studies back at college in readiness for the next steps. It is very well structured. “

In 2024 Michael won an award at Glasgow College for the Best Consistent Study student which was a complete surprise to him.

“At the end of my cadetship I decided to make my own preparations for a career at sea.”

“My sponsors P&O Ferries offered me a contract as an electrotechnical officer but I decided to sign-up with a Norwegian oil and gas provider for a role which was similar to what I did in the Middle East. There is always the chance that the company you have served your time with will offer you a position but there are no guarantees. You need to put the work in to find other options – so be self-driven in your pursuit of finding opportunities for employment at the end of your cadetship and you will get something.”

“Go in with an open mind.”

“To be successful in your studies and time at sea in your cadetship go in with an open mind. Take your time to adjust to it – and if nothing else just enjoy it. It’s a great place to be and a great place to work. It does of course have its challenges – but so does everything else.”