The recipients of the annual Clyde Marine Training Cadet of the Year Award (held in partnership with the City of Glasgow College) have been named.
Deck Cadet Craig Mackenzie (Northern Marine) and Engine Cadet Cameron Miller (RCL Cruises Ltd) have been nominated for the commitment and professionalism they have demonstrated during the initial stages of their promising Merchant Navy careers.
Both recipients have just completed their final college phase, having previously finished two onboard sea phases.
In normal circumstances the pair would receive their awards as part of their academic graduation ceremony, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony has been postponed with a new date still to be set.
Cameron said: “When I found out I had won the CMT Engineering Cadet of 2020 award I was ecstatic. Since the start I have been trying my best with every subject, both in and out of class, and it is amazing knowing that all this hard work has been recognised. I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way, I could not have done it without your support.”
Craig was equally as pleased: “Having undertaken this Cadetship as a career change, leaving full time employment, it is great to be recognised in this way by Clyde Marine Training. It means a lot to me to have won this award as it has made all the hard work and sacrifices worthwhile. I am looking forward to beginning my career as an officer.”
Selection was based on academic performance and general conduct during their Cadetships.
Katy Womersley, General Manager, CMT, said: “On behalf of everyone at CMT, we are delighted to congratulate Cameron and Craig on achieving the distinction of being our City of Glasgow College Cadets of the Year.
“Throughout their time as cadets they have shown themselves to be fully committed to their training, displaying the professional attitude required of a modern Junior Officer. They have been a credit to themselves, their sponsors and we would like to wish them every success in their future careers.”
Paul Little, Principal and Chief Executive at City of Glasgow College, said: “Our warmest congratulations go to both Cameron Miller and Craig Mackenzie for achieving the Clyde Marine Training Prizes; Engineering Cadet and Deck Cadet of the Year Awards.
“These accolades recognise both students as great shipmates, having gone above and beyond to help their fellow officers to succeed. In doing so each have upheld some of the finest traditions in our Merchant Navy. We wish them both the very best.”
Commenting on Cameron’s achievement, Sarah Yates, Safety & Marine Administration Manager, RCL Cruises Ltd (Sponsoring Company), said: “Cameron has shown incredible dedication to his Cadetship over the past 3 years, and has received well-deserved recognition from the Royal Caribbean International Engine teams for his hard work onboard Explorer of the Seas & Ovation of the Seas. Cameron will have a bright future in this industry as an extremely capable Engineer.”
Christopher Brown, Manager Training and Development, Northern Marine, congratulated Craig, adding: “We are delighted that Craig has been awarded CMT Deck cadet of the year.
“Craig has proven over the course of his cadetship to be an exceptionally hardworking and competent individual, with his efforts being given well-deserved praise from both shore and sea staff alike. We look forward to welcoming him as an officer within the fleet soon.”