Marine Electrician Apprenticeship

The Marine Electrician apprenticeship is for those looking for a career in the marine industry working as an electrician on marine craft. 

As an apprentice Marine Electrician, you will gain a set of specialist skills, knowledge and behaviours to work competently in the installation, refitting and repairing of a range of electrical and electronic equipment and systems typically found on vessels, with some responsibility for management of work, designed around the needs of business you work for.

This level 3 apprenticeship is ideal for new employees to the industry, as well as those wishing to develop their technical skills and competence in their current marine electrical job role.

View our apprenticeship vacancies

As an apprentice you will learn to manufacture looms, assemble, repair and install components in both ac and dc systems. Additionally you will gain an understanding in all organisational and statutory safety requirements.

You will acquire and develop the appropriate skills, knowledge and behaviours required for an electrical role in the Marine industry. This will include how to:

• Understand the underlying principles governing electrical supply systems
• Correct use of tools, equipment & materials used in electrical/electronic installations
• Preparing and carrying out electrical/electronic installations on vessels
• Checking installations and equipment for accuracy and conformity to appropriate standards
• Reading and interpreting electrical installation and technical drawings
• Supporting commissioning of electrical systems and components
• Contingency planning and problem solving
• Maintaining effective and safe working relationships
• Communicating effectively and confidently

You will be expected to work independently and take responsibility for the quality and accuracy of your work, with support from your employer and City College as the training provider.

More detailed information can be found on the apprenticeship standard website (new window).

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, you will gain a Level 3 Diploma in Marine Electrical Engineering (Advanced) qualification. You will also be recognised by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) at ‘Engineering Technician’ level. 

As an apprentice, you can expect to undertake work-based learning with an employer and to be paid a wage.

You will attend college on a weekly basis to ensure you get the support you need to succeed.  The rest of the training will take place in the workplace with in-house training provided by the employer.  You will be assigned an assessor who will help guide you through the entire apprenticeship.

Our specialist Marine Skills Centre in Woolston provides a fantastic learning environment with industry-standard equipment, where you can learn everything you need for you to begin your Marine Electrical career. We have industry expert tutors, who will be on hand to teach and guide you through and answer any questions you may have.

Candidates will typically have at least 5 GCSEs at grades 4/C or above including English, maths and ideally a science or technology. Evidence of this will need to be provided prior to starting your apprenticeship. Under exceptional circumstances, candidates who haven’t quite achieved these grades in English and/or Maths may be considered after an assessment, interview and agreement to achieve this level prior to taking their End Point Assessment (EPA).

To start an apprenticeship you will need an employer who is willing to take you on as an apprentice.  If you already have an employer please contact us. If you don't have an employer already, view our current apprenticeship vacancies.  

You will be required to attend a College interview prior to enrolling onto an apprenticeship.

You must be eligible to work in the United Kingdom.

Successful completion of this apprenticeship could help you progress to further career opportunities in the marine sector. This could include a higher level qualification such as an HNC or degree apprenticeship in marine electrical.

Information for Employers

Off-the-job training

Each apprenticeship must include 20% off-the-job training, which amounts to 20% of the apprentice’s contracted employment hours across the whole apprenticeship.  Off-the-job training is any learning undertaken outside of the normal day-to-day working environment and leads towards the achievement of the apprenticeship.  Examples of this would be shadowing colleagues, attending supplier meetings, taking external courses, Toolbox talks etc.

End Point Assessment

Each apprentice will need to undertake an End Point Assessment (EPA) at the end of their apprenticeship.  It measures the skills, knowledge and behaviours each apprentice has developed.  

An apprentice can only take this assessment once all other aspects of the apprenticeship have been completed.  An apprentice needs to be completely ready to take this assessment and the employer and assessor will decide when the time is right.  A declaration will be signed by both the employer, apprentice and assessor.  If the apprentice fails the assessment, then there will be a re-sit charge, which is generally paid by the employer.