Glasgow teen becomes Peel Port's first ever female apprentice

Caitlin McGrory, from South Nitshill, started her four-year apprenticeship as an electrical engineer with Peel Ports Clydeport earlier this year.

The 19-year-old splits her time between her studies at West College Scotland's Greenock Campus and working at the port operator’s King George V Dock in Glasgow and its sites in Greenock.

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Caitlin says she is enjoying learning new skills in her role, which includes fixing and maintaining port equipment, such as Ship to Shore Gantry Cranes (STS).

She said: "I really enjoy life on-site and learning from qualified members of the team.

"Throughout school, I was always more interested in things such as physics and design and manufacturing (D&M), and I had hit a stump about what I wanted to do once I left school.

"My design and manufacturing teacher recommended that I look into engineering as a career as I enjoyed D&M and physics.

"I was extremely interested, and I continued from there, doing a HNC in electrical engineering and applying for an apprenticeship

"I find the engineering field really interesting, and my time at Peel Ports Clydeport has shown me the diverse and exciting range of jobs within the maritime sector, which are open for everyone, regardless of gender."

Caitlin is currently studying for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) and a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Engineering Systems.

As she continues with her apprenticeship at the port, she will eventually move on to high-voltage training and working with Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems.

Caitlin believes there is a real prospect for more women to become involved in the maritime industry over time. 

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She said: "Although engineering is (at the moment) a field generally dominated by men, it is not one that only men can do.

"As long as you’re not afraid to get your hands a little dirty, you definitely won’t regret taking a jump into the field, as no day is the same."

Peel Ports Clydeport, which also owns Hunterston Port and Resource Centre (PARC) in Ayrshire, and Greenock Ocean Terminal, is seeking to encourage more females to apply for roles at its sites, and across the maritime industry.

Engineering is one of many career opportunities available in the sector, and it is hoped this new apprenticeship will inspire others to explore a future in the industry.

Engineering manager John Campbell, who is Caitlin’s mentor, said: "It has been a privilege teaching all of our apprentices about the work we do here at our site.

"Caitlin is proof that this job is for anyone interested in engineering, and we hope her story inspires more women to consider a career in engineering and the maritime sector."