Invergordon man sets sail on new career
A 20-year-old Royal Navy recruit from Invergordon has set sail on a new career – and completed the first phase of his training at HMS Raleigh.
Trainee engineering technician Ryan Haywood arrived at the Royal Navy’s training establishment, in Cornwall, last November and has since carried out a 10-week intensive training course, culminating in a passing-out-parade in front of family and friends.
The former pupil of Invergordon Academy previously worked as a fabricator and welder and was also a crew member for the Invergordon lifeboat. He has a brother, Logan, (17), who has recently embarked on a career in the Army.
Said Ryan: "I joined the Royal Navy to pursue an exciting and rewarding career, to see the world and to receive the best training to become a good engineering technician. I feel very proud to be part of the Royal Navy – it’s a fantastic career with great opportunities.
"As I get further into my career I’d love to serve on HMS Sutherland because the ship is affiliated to the area that I am from."
Ryan’s next port of call is HMS Sultan, where he will learn his trade in marine engineering to keep the ship running smoothly, safely and effectively.
Once fully qualified he will work on everything from the ship’s hull and engines to its electrical, fuel, hydraulic and fire fighting systems and, as it is away from port for weeks at a time, he will be trained to make spare parts and other vital components in the on-board workshops.
Details of career opportunities within the Royal Navy are available online at www.royalnavy.mod.uk or by calling the Recruitment Line on 03456 00 53 02.
