Marine Engineering Apprenticeships 

Ever watched a massive container ship slowly come into a dock? If not, add it to your bucket list, the sheer size and power of these vessels is really cool to see. It takes a special team to keep all the machines inside running smoothly – and marine engineering apprenticeships can train you to this high standard.

Let’s take a look at the most in-demand marine engineering apprenticeships and top tips for applying today.  

The basics: What is marine engineering, and can I get an apprenticeship? 

In straightforward terms, marine engineering means building and looking after all the machinery and systems on a boat. For example, installing new engines or designing a heating system. It’s a broad field involving almost every mechanical and electrical system onboard a vessel. You’ll find marine engineers on military ships, commercial freighters, cruise liners, research boats – anything that sails on the sea! 

This industry has a massive demand for new talent, and marine engineering apprenticeships are a brilliant way to get your foot in the door. Apprenticeships are designed to give you a mix of hands-on experience in a workshop or on a ship, along with classroom-based technical knowledge. Let’s look at the type of opportunities you can get in this field.  

Types of marine engineering apprenticeships 

General ship engineer apprenticeship 

This is the classic marine engineering role. A ship’s engineer apprenticeship will teach you how to manage electrical power systems and operate complex mechanical systems. Graduates of these apprenticeships might work with navy companies or ferry operators during their career at sea. 

Royal Navy engineering apprenticeships 

If you’re looking for a career with a difference, the Royal Navy offers engineering apprenticeships that are second to none. You’ll train on everything from warships and submarines to helicopters, mastering a huge variety of mechanical and electrical systems – even weapons. These apprenticeships are in demand – if you can get one, you’re guaranteed a career full of exciting opportunities and challenges. 

Marine propulsion engineer apprenticeships 

For those fascinated by what makes a vessel move, a propulsion engineer apprenticeship is right up your street. You’ll specialise in understanding the heart of the ship’s power, learning to install, maintain and repair engines and gearboxes. You could be working on anything from a small leisure craft to a large ocean liner – after all, every boat needs power. 

Marine electrical engineer apprenticeships 

Modern ships are packed with sophisticated electrical systems like navigation equipment and controls. A marine electrical engineer apprenticeship focuses on installing and maintaining these components, so you’ll learn about generators and power distribution. It’s a great choice if you find complex circuitry and technology really interesting.  

Shipyard engineering apprenticeships 

Not all marine engineers work at sea. A shipyard engineering apprenticeship is all about repairing and refitting vessels while they’re in the dock or workshop. You’ll be part of a team building a ship from the ground up or undertaking major fixes.  

Entry requirements 

A career in marine engineering is competitive, so you’ve gotta bring your A-game. Although the exact entry requirements will vary between apprenticeships, you should aim for at least five GCSEs at grade 4+. Definitely focus extra hard in English, maths and science lessons.  

Outside of school, you can work on your soft skills – these are practical skills and personality traits, rather than academic prowess. Soft skills required for marine engineering apprenticeships include: 

• Problem-solving skills: When something breaks down, you need to be able to diagnose the issue and fix it efficiently. Employers want people who can think on their feet. 

• Teamwork: Whether you’re working in a shipyard or an engine room, you’ll be part of a team. Good communication and collaboration are super important for safety and efficiency. 

• Willingness to learn: This industry is always evolving, and many skills and concepts are complex. You need to be eager to absorb new knowledge and master new techniques. 

Apprenticeship levels: What they mean for marine engineering 

There are different types of apprenticeships depending on the duration and difficulty. They’re ranked using a levels-based system: 

• Level 2 (Intermediate) – equivalent to 5 GCSEs (grades 9 to 4) 

The Royal Navy can be your first port of call (excuse the pun): Level 2 roles include the Apprentice Engineering Technician, Apprentice Seamanship, Marine Engineering Technician, Maritime Mechanical Electrical Mechanic and Cadet Systems Engineer. 

You could also apply for a Level 2 Engineering Operations apprenticeship with shipbuilding company Harland & Wolff, with the option to apply for Level 3 trade-specific apprenticeships after.  

• Level 3 (Advanced) – equivalent to 2 A-levels  

Shipbuilder Cammell Laird offers established engineering apprenticeships each year, so they’re one to watch. Another one on your radar should be Babcock International, a company that provides naval ship support and maintenance to the Royal Navy. If you’re interested in the fancy stuff like luxury yachting, check out the Level 3 Boat Building, Marine Electrical and Marine Engineering Apprenticeships at Oyster Yachts. 

• Levels 4 and 5 (Higher) – equivalent to a foundation degree   

The Royal Navy has multiple Level 4 Marine Engineering apprenticeships, and there are similar engineering opportunities with defence company BAE Systems. 

• Levels 6 and 7 (Degree) – equivalent to a full Bachelor’s or Master’s degree  

With Royal Navy schemes like the Accelerated Apprentice Petty Officer Scheme (Marine Engineering), you could work towards a full degree in Mechanical Engineering. You’ll also find exciting degree apprenticeships at BAE Systems. 

Sector spotlight 

Modern ships are packed with advanced automation and digitisation, from sensors to data analytics systems. Keeping your finger on the pulse of industry-wide innovation and new technologies provides great interview talking points. You can really set yourself apart from other candidates by providing that you’re just as comfortable with software as you are with a spanner. This technological shift doesn’t mean a robot is replacing the job of a marine engineer – instead, this role is evolving. You’ll move from a purely hands-on mechanic to a systems expert who can diagnose problems using data. How cool is that? 

Extra tips 

Imagine you’re in the interview for your dream marine engine apprenticeship. How can you prove your problem-solving aptitude to the interviewer? Simply saying that you’re a problem-solver isn’t enough. Before the interview, write down any practical skills you have – whether it’s from school projects or tinkering with an old engine. Be ready to share real examples of a time you fixed a tricky problem or used your initiative to solve a challenge – show them who you are, don’t just tell them! 

Chart your course to success with an apprenticeship 

A marine engineering apprenticeship is your ticket to a career that’s both challenging and deeply rewarding – you can sail the high seas while solving problems all day. An apprenticeship gives you a chance to become an expert in this field, and the skills you’ll gain are highly valued and lead to excellent long-term career prospects. 

Find similar apprenticeships at the Royal Air Force, Airbus and more with our apprenticeship live search.