An apprentice kneels on a lifeboat deck working. The boat is still under construction. In the background 2 people in white overalls work on an engine. Apprenticeship logo

Apprenticeships making waves with the RNLI

Published: 10th February 2023

Published by City College Southampton

Apprenticeships making waves with the RNLI


As part of our National Apprenticeship Week celebrations we caught up with the RNLI. We spoke to Harry who has just completed his Marine Boatbuilding Apprenticeship about why he chose the apprenticeship pathway and what he is now working on. We also spoke to Owain who was able to talk us through why the charity value apprenticeships, what benefits they see as an employer and how the College has supported their apprentices on their journey.


An apprentice kneels on a lifeboat deck working. The boat is still under construction. In the background 2 people in white overalls work on an engine

Photo: Harry working on lifeboats at the RNLI

Harry, why did you choose a Marine Boatbuilding apprenticeship?

I found out about apprenticeships through some guidance from my sixth form but mainly my own research, I was looking for something practical.

The marine sector interested me because of how versatile the work is within it and I chose boatbuilding because of the volume of opportunities around the country and abroad.

I was completely sold when I was offered a position with the RNLI as it is such a great organisation, I knew there would be more job satisfaction building a boat which is going to be used by heroes to save people’s lives.

What do you feel the benefits of apprenticeships are?

There are many benefits to apprenticeships including earning while you are learning, getting a more hands-on understanding of the industry and building up more experience in the working environment. All of which you don’t get while studying at university.

Apprenticeships also really help improve core skills which help you both in the workplace and in your personal life.

What was your favourite part of your apprenticeship?

The RNLI take great care in rounding their apprentice’s knowledge, you are moved around different teams and working environments to ensure you have experience with different work and sets of skills which is really fantastic.

A highlight would be the coastal experience where I was stationed around different parts of the coast for 2 weeks.

Since completing your apprenticeship?

Since completing I have become a full-time boatbuilding technician for the RNLI, working out of the ALC at the RNLI college in Poole. I am working in a team on the last stage of the Shannon class lifeboat. We do the hull-to-deck join and the final stage of the fit-out.

I’m so pleased that I found myself in an enjoyable job role for a charity I really believe in.

Owain, tell us about why the RNLI hires apprentices. 

The apprenticeship scheme we offer, in conjunction with the Marine Skills Centre at City College Southampton, allows us to offer a high level of training which in turn creates qualified technicians with a high level of skill and understanding.

Within just a few months of starting, apprentices are able to work alongside our skilled technicians and help to manufacture the best lifeboats in the world.  

What benefits have you seen in having apprentices? 

Our apprentices are rotated through the various lines of a new build and repair and refit streams within the organisation. This means if they are offered a permanent position at the end of their training, they are capable of working across various different classes of boats and are very versatile.

Why do you think apprenticeships are important?

For individuals, they offer an excellent foundation to begin their career in the marine industry. Many of our apprentices have worked their way up into management and the apprenticeship sets them up perfectly for this career progression. For the organisation it allows us to train well-rounded technicians who understand the importance of what we do.

What have been the benefits of partnering with the Marine Skills Centre at City College for the delivery of the apprenticeship?

The Marine Skills Centre offers excellent facilities and tutors, which allow our apprentices to develop their skillset which they can bring back to the RNLI. The knowledge gained from their time at college has allowed them to develop into well-rounded technicians which are a huge asset to the RNLI.

                                  Headshot of Harry, in the background are 2 orange lifeboats in a hanger with people working on them