Andrew Emslie
Maritime
Merchant Navy Deck Officer Cadet programme
“The thought of a career where I can travel and see the world really appeals. After completing the programme I will be qualified as a Deck Officer and with sea time and further studying I can hopefully progress to Chief Officer and eventually Captain.”
When Andrew Emslie left Peterhead Academy he had planned to go into law. He gained his degree at Robert Gordon University after which he completed a further year to gain the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.
He searched for a position as a trainee solicitor but found himself in an extremely competitive marketplace and employment opportunities were difficult to find and secure. Whilst looking he held various jobs ranging from hotel work, van driving and administration work. During furlough he began to look for new opportunities and a new career path.
He said, “That’s when I came across the Merchant Navy. I didn’t really think it was an option for me until I began to dig deeper. For some reason I thought the cadetship programme would require technical qualifications but that wasn’t the case. They ask for Maths, English and a Science or plus one further subject, so I applied. After completing the programme I will be qualified as a Deck Officer and with sea time and further studying I can hopefully progress to Chief Officer and eventually Captain.”
Andrew is sponsored by Solstad Offshore through Clyde Marine Training.