Apprenticeships in Southampton
Perhaps best known as the departure port for the RMS Titanic and its strong maritime past, Southampton is also a busy student city and a haven for small businesses and the self-employed.
Several large-scale companies operate in the city, including Associated British Ports (ABP), Ordnance Survey, Carnival UK, Lloyds Bank, BDO LLP and many apprenticeship opportunities in various industries.
Careers in Southampton
Southampton is a liner port, so not only can it accommodate many cargo ships, but it is also a significant departure port for ocean liners.
Long before the Titanic, Southampton was the departure point of several famous ships, including the Mayflower, which carried the Pilgrims to North America in 1620.
Today, it is known as the ‘cruise ship capital of Europe’, with companies such as Carnival UK operating across its several cruise terminals. Between cruises and cargo, Southampton’s port is responsible for thousands of jobs.
Some alternative significant industries in Southampton are health and social care, retail and sales, business management, and teaching.
Other common jobs in the city include delivery driving, administrative work, cleaning and IT support.
Many of these occupations occur within a small or even micro business, with many residents working freelance and self-employed or for small operations.
An apprenticeship in Southampton could help you find your place in the business world. Let’s delve a little deeper into some of the opportunities the city provides.
The latest apprentice jobs in Southampton
-
Optical Assistant Apprenticeship – Romsey Specsavers
SpecsaversRomsey, Southampton -
BAE Systems Apprenticeships (Register your interest for 2026/27)
BAE SystemsUK -
Enterprise Light Vehicle Technician Apprenticeship
EnterpriseRomsey, Southampton -
Enterprise Vehicle Damage Paint Apprenticeship
EnterpriseSouthampton -
Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship – Southampton (Planning Development)
WSPSouthampton -
Sky Apprenticeships (Register Interest)
SkyUK
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Search all jobs.
Top employers in Southampton
Living and working in Southampton
Southampton is a city steeped in maritime history, from the departure of The Mayflower to the ill-fated Titanic’s maiden, and only, voyage.
The SeaCity Museum opened on April 10 2012, to commemorate 100 years since the Titanic set sail, and is a must for historians.
There is also the Titanic Trail, where you can visit memorials built to honour the locals who perished aboard the ill-fated ship, the office of the White Star Line and the pub where the crew used to drink.
Southampton also made its mark in aviation history, being credited with research and development that led to the Spitfire aircraft. You can learn more at the Solent Sky Museum, another popular tourist attraction.
Ships and planes aside, historians will also enjoy visiting the medieval vaults, St. Michael’s Church, and Bargate, the grand stone structure once the entrance to the old walled city.
Close to St Michael’s Medieval church, you can also take in a tour of the lovingly restored 14th-century Tudor House & Garden.
If you’d rather enjoy the delights of present-day Southampton, you’ll find foodie heaven on Oxford Street, before checking out the vibrant nightlife in and around Bedford Place.
There are also plenty of water sports for all levels at Southampton Water Activities Centre, and extensive shopping at the enormous Westquay shopping centre, home to well over 100 shops.
More upscale retail therapy can be found in the luxury Ocean Village, an affluent neighbourhood built around the marina. Here, you will find boutique shops, premier restaurants and pleasure boats.
Southampton has excellent transport links with boats to Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, the Hamble and the New Forest.
You can also commute by rail to Brighton, London, Bristol, Bournemouth and many other destinations.
Southampton might be better known for its past, but apprenticeship in the city could be the start of a bright future. Let’s find out more.
Degree apprenticeships in Southampton
Degree apprenticeships are the highest level of apprenticeship, covering either a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree. Typically running for 3-5 years, they are usually undertaken at a respected university, alongside your workplace.
Southampton has two universities, the University of Southampton and Solent University, formerly Southampton Solent University. There are also several colleges.
The University of Southampton offers apprenticeships across a range of subjects at different times of the year. The apprenticeships available at Solent University include healthcare, project management, construction, civil engineering and many more.
Industry spotlight
Given the frequency of cruise ships setting sail from Southampton throughout the year, there are many opportunities to work in travel and tourism based in the area.
Working on a cruise ship is a fantastic way to travel, meet interesting people and grow in confidence.
Speaking a foreign language is an advantage but not a necessity, and there are customer-facing and behind-the-scenes roles.
You can also work in a travel agency, helping people book their cruise holidays in person or over the phone.
You can find a Level 3 Junior Cruise Consultant Apprenticeship with MyCruise UK!, a programme which qualifies you as a fully-fledged travel consultant in just a year.
As mentioned, there are lots of water sports available in Southampton, meaning professional instructors are required to teach and supervise.
An Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor apprenticeship teaches candidates how to lead and advise, breaking down activities, planning sessions, and dealing with problems.
You will likely need a high level of physical fitness and an aptitude for the sport you are teaching – eg surfing, waterskiing, etc, but this apprenticeship will give you the transferable skills you need to know to turn it into a career.
With Southampton accounting for a significant portion of small businesses in the UK, it is no surprise that there are several business-based apprenticeships available in the area.
There are different types and levels of business apprenticeships, from Level 3 Business Administrator to Level 7 Sustainability Business Specialist (Integrated degree).
These apprenticeships are designed to help organisations and individuals improve, streamline and optimise businesses to increase sales and overall performance.
What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are government-funded initiatives enabling predominantly young people to continue their education while joining the UK workforce and earning a living wage.
They benefit the apprentice, who has their tuition paid for, earns a qualification and gets paid while gaining real-world experience in their chosen profession.
The company they work for benefits from financial incentives and the services of an eager person with a fresh perspective that they can train to fit the business.
Last but not least, the Government benefits from a more skilled workforce, with a higher level of diversity in terms of gender, race, socio-economic background and other factors that can sometimes be prohibitive to learning.
UK apprenticeships are typically 80% practical work with 20% theory and learning, either in the classroom or online.
Why choose an apprenticeship?
A Foot in the Door
An apprenticeship is an excellent way to gain first-hand, paid experience of a job and industry over a short period. Some apprentices stay with the same company and work their way up, while others use their new skills at a different business or even transfer to a different occupation. Either way, you will have a foot in the door.
Increase Your Wage Potential
As an apprentice in the UK, you are entitled to earn at least the minimum wage for your age group. However, some industries and employers pay significantly more to attract the best candidates for the position.
In addition, many employers will give you a pay rise upon completion of your apprenticeship in recognition of your new qualification.
More Apprenticeships, More Opportunities
Research shows that apprenticeships are up 1.3% for 2024/2025 from the previous year.
This means more providers are offering more apprenticeship programmes, increasing the chances of being a successful applicant.
Accelerate Your Learning
UK apprenticeships correspond to a qualification undertaken while working, as follows:
Level 2 (Intermediate) – equivalent to 5 GCSE passes
Level 3 (Advanced) – equivalent to 2 A Level passes
Levels 4- 5 (Higher) – equivalent to a foundation degree
Levels 6-7 (Degree) – equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree
While a typical university course can last anywhere from three to seven years, most UK apprenticeships last between 12 months and 3 years.
This means that even with a degree apprenticeship, you can get a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree usually in less time, while also working and earning a living wage.
Other UK apprenticeships enable you to earn a specific industry qualification, ie, attaining a rank in the British army or becoming a chartered accountant.
A Wider Choice
More apprenticeships also mean more choice in terms of industry and location.
Where once apprenticeships were limited to the trades, big cities and huge companies, these days, you can stay local or venture further afield and find an apprenticeship that fits.
Excited to start your career in Southampton? Apply for an apprenticeship today!
Find the latest apprenticeships in Southampton using our subject and location search functions. We’ve also created some school leaver and industry pages for extra inspiration.
