7 September 2007

A FULL complement of 24 students have this week joined the cadet training programme at the NAFC Marine Centre, in Scalloway, to become officers in the merchant navy.

Cadet liaison officer Caroline Hepburn said the new course had attracted 12 students from outwith Shetland.

"Achieving an equal balance of intake from Shetland and outwith is our ideal - offering our own young people the opportunity to study at home while expanding the reputation of the course to attract students into Shetland for study," Ms Hepburn said.

The course will give 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."