Marine Engineer Apprenticeship

The Marine Engineer apprenticeship is for those looking for a career in the marine industry working as an engineer on marine craft. Marine Engineers are responsible for installing, maintaining, fault finding and repairing marine engines, ancillary systems and equipment on marine craft such as yachts, workboats, cruise ships and superyachts.

As a marine engineering apprentice, you will mostly work under the supervision of others and undertake tasks such as boat handling, support, repair and outfitting. You will develop the practical skills and technical knowledge required to work as a professional and competent marine engineer.

View our apprenticeship vacancies

As a Marine Engineering apprentice you will design and produce solutions to meet boat layouts, restrictions and engineering requirements, or produce boat engineering systems from engineering and technical drawings to specifications. Marine engineers work to fine tolerances using a variety of measuring equipment, machines and tools. They manufacture, assemble, strip, repair and re-build components.

You will use carpentry, electrical, plumbing, welding, electrical and engineering skills or become a marine engineer/electrician to service and repair boat engines. The work could involve constructing frameworks, hulls and decks – even installing parts such as engines, propellers and steering systems.

Tasks typically include:

• Marking out construction materials using engineering design templates
• Welding, cutting and shaping parts or sections
• Assembling boat sections and pipe work
• Fitting out the vessel with furnishings, heating and lighting as well as navigation and communications equipment
• Installation of electrical wiring support systems
• Principles of marine electrical systems

There are three main Marine Engineering orientated categories to this apprenticeship – Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours. 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 Engineering (Advanced).

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 Marine Skills Centre provides a fantastic learning environment with industry-standard equipment, where you can learn everything you need for you to begin your Marine Engineering 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 engineering.

Information for Employers

Off-the-job training

Each apprenticeship must include 6 hours off the job training a week which amounts to around 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.

The EPA Consists of:

1) Professional Report – 8 weeks to compete the 4,000 word report                                                     

2) Apprentice presentation - 7 to 15 mins long, questions may be asked to clarify any points.                                                 

3) Structured Interview - This will follow the presentation and typically last for 45 mins. It is a structured discussion with questions.