New intake of cadets at NAFC Marine Centre

A total of 21 new students joined the Cadet Training Programme at the NAFC Marine Centre in Scalloway, Shetland in October 2008.

The group, consisting of deck and engineer officer cadets, are undertaking the full-time course which lasts around three years, and expect to qualify in 2011.

They join the programme just as the 2005 intake have completed their training.

The Programme offers students the opportunity to undertake their training in Shetland; working towards professional qualifications, based on SQA Higher National Diplomas and Vocational Qualifications, in order to serve as officers on merchant vessels.

Jan Rigden, head of Shetland School of Nautical Studies at the NAFC Marine Centre, said: "We are delighted to have this new complement of students undertaking this year's Cadet Training Programme with a total of 21 new starts – 11 of whom are from Shetland.

"The course gives cadets the opportunity to put their theory into practice with alternating periods at sea and at college.All cadets are employed or sponsored directly by a shipping company, ship manager or by other organisations acting on their behalf.These organisations provide the sea service and support throughout the programme.

"The Merchant Navy continues to offer great career prospects for both young men and women, and UK officers are very much in demand and have excellent prospects on qualification. Our next intake will start in September 2009, and we hope that any young people interested in a challenging career at sea will contact us in the New Year for further information."