It’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2 to 6 March 2026), a time to shine a light on the vital role apprenticeships play in supporting people, employers and the economy.
Deck Rating Apprenticeship
Two of the latest recruits to join our Deck Rating Apprenticeship scheme are Adam and Allan. They are pictured at College with Ewen Mackerchar, our Marine Operations Manager – from left to right: Ewen, Adam & Allan.
Allan and Adam are in their first year of the apprenticeship and combine sea training on NLB’s vessels PHAROS and POLE STAR with shore training at City of Glasgow College.
Find out from Allan what his highlight has been so far and if he’d recommend an apprenticeship to other young people.
What has been the highlight of your apprenticeship?
My highlight so far has been working alongside experienced crews aboard PHAROS, learning directly from them, and gaining hands on experience in real operations. I’m also very much looking forward to joining POLE STAR on the next trip and continuing to build my knowledge across the fleet.
What appealed to you about the Northern Lighthouse Board deck rating apprenticeship?
What appealed to me most was the complex and varied work carried out around Scotland and the Isle of Man. The opportunity to be involved in maintaining vital aids to navigation, while travelling to remote locations and places I never imagined I would see, made the apprenticeship particularly attractive.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship to other young people?
Yes, I would highly recommend an apprenticeship with the Northern Lighthouse Board. It is a supportive organisation that genuinely cares for and invests in its workforce, while providing excellent training, valuable experience and clear career development opportunities.
Electrical Engineering Apprenticeship
Meet Cameron, Electrical Engineering Apprentice with NLB. Cameron combines study at Forth Valley College with on the job training.
What has been the highlight of your apprenticeship?
The highlight so far has been learning new skills and getting out on site to see some of the lighthouses I’ll be working on once I finish college.
What was it about the Northern Lighthouse Board apprenticeship that appealed to you?
I liked the idea of getting to visit different parts of the country and with my interest in electrical engineering this is giving me the opportunity to do both.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship to other young people?
Yes I would very much recommend an apprenticeship.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week is an annual celebration highlighting the benefits apprenticeships bring to individuals, employers, and the wider Scottish economy. In 2026, the week focuses on the theme “Working for Scotland”, emphasizing how apprenticeships create careers, support businesses, and contribute to economic growth.
#ScotAppWeek26
