George Nelson, former plater at Campbeltown Shipyard, with his apprenticeship certificates from both the Campbeltown Shipyard and the Shipbuilding Industry Training Board. Photo courtesy of Jan Nimmo.
I started work at Campbeltown Shipyard as an apprentice plater and served my time from 1973 -1977. During my apprenticeship I attended Anniesland College.
After completing my apprenticeship I went up to north west Scotland, to work at Loch Kishorn, near Lochcarron. There was a rig afloat on the loch with a crew and welders that were being ferried backwards and forwards. I was part of the shore crew, making various small fabrications which were ferried out to the rig.
I returned to the shipyard after a few months and I worked there until 1979. I worked alongside Willie McIntyre, Martin Coffield, Charlie McPherson, Jan Mohammed, David Wike, Hamish Jackson and Peter Stimpson, amongst many others.
During my time at the shipyard I worked on at least 25 different boats. I enjoyed my time at the yard – the craic made up for the fumes and the noise!
Here are a few stories from the yard…
Shipbuilding Industry Training Board Certificate of Craftsmanship – 1978. Courtesy of George Nelson.
Shipbuilding Industry Training Board Certificate of Craftsmanship – 1978. Courtesy of George Nelson.
Apprenticeship Completion Card, Campbeltown Shipyard – 1977. Courtesy of George Nelson.
Apprenticeship Completion Card, Campbeltown Shipyard – 1977. Courtesy of George Nelson.
Great Memories George i was actually Back in the Canteen There for a Moment what a Fantastic place we had to work in Hard Going At Times but The Craic kept us Going some of the Men should have had there own Comedy TV Show ?