A GRADUATE apprentice has spoken of her shock at winning a national award for her work at Port Glasgow’s Ferguson Marine.

Jennifer MacKay was recently named Graduate Apprentice of the Year at the 2024 Scottish Engineering Awards.

The 28-year-old joined the shipyard as a modern apprentice in the drawing office almost eight years ago having dropped out of a technical teaching university course.

Jennifer, originally from Langbank, applied for the apprenticeship in 2016 after seeing an advert in the Telegraph.

After completing the scheme in 2019, she worked within Ferguson’s structures and outfit teams.

She said: “When I was at school, because I had better grades, it was always 'university, university, university'.

“I had never considered an apprenticeship.

“It was always put across that an apprenticeship was maybe didn’t have the grades to go to university.

Jennifer joined Ferguson's at the age of 21 (Image: Ferguson Marine)

“I wish that hadn’t been the case. I wish it had been promoted more because I feel like it’s worked out perfect for me and my career path.”

In March 2022, Jennifer took on a supervisor role as outfit team lead and is currently working on the final stages of Glen Sannox before moving on to Glen Rosa.

During her time in the position, she has also been completing a graduate apprenticeship through the University of Strathclyde.

Having recently finished her third year on the scheme, she hopes to graduate with an honours degree in Design and Manufacturing next year.

Jennifer added: “It’s very challenging.

“Because of the late stage the boat is at now and the fact we’re always against deadlines, it’s quite difficult.

“You’re constantly trying your absolute best and sometimes feel you’re getting knocked back a wee bit.

“But I’m glad I took the opportunity to do it, I feel like I’ve learned an awful lot from it.”

Jennifer was nominated for the Graduate Apprentice of the Year award by her manager, Andrew Milligan.

Jennifer now works as outfit team lead at the shipyardJennifer now works as outfit team lead at the shipyard (Image: Ferguson Marine)

She said: “Andrew’s been very supportive of me and understanding of the challenges we go through.

“I was quite shocked to win, but I was quite proud as well.

“It’s been difficult doing the apprenticeship because I’m in a supervisor position and I’ve got a team to manage on the side.

“It was really nice to show that the hard work has paid off.”

Jennifer hopes her success and experience of climbing the ranks will inspire others to embark on their own journey at Ferguson Marine.

She added: “It’s quite critical the yard being here. It’s a hive of activity and, even for people who don’t work here, you always hear people talking about it.

“I think it’s good they’re encouraging local people to come in and continue trades that used to be the whole way up the Clyde.

“I started as a Modern Apprentice and I’ve been here for nearly eight years now.

“People that are coming in now can see that career path and how they can get better opportunities if they push themselves.”