Ports Engineering Apprentice PlymouthBasingstokeLondon (Autumn 2026)

AECOM; England; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK seeks a Ports Engineering Apprentice to contribute to innovative port and marine projects. This full-time position offers hands-on training alongside studies, ideal for school leavers with GCSEs and A-Levels. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in engineering, adaptability, and strong communication skills. The role includes producing CAD drawings and assisting in project administration, providing a foundation for a career in marine infrastructure.

Benefits

Hands-on training

Support for part-time BA degree

Opportunities for career progression

Qualifications

• Demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in Rail or Bridge & Structures Engineering.
• Commitment to continued education and improvement through on-the-job learning.
• Ability to think methodically to design, plan, and organise project parts.

Responsibilities

• Production of CAD drawings.
• Assisting with site visits to collect information.
• Supporting administration of projects and maintaining records.

Skills

Software-based engineering

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Creative thinking

Adaptability

Education

Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above

Three A-Levels including Maths and a physical science at grade C or above

Tools

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Job description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Ports Engineering Apprentice to join our Ports & Marine team in Plymouth, Basingstoke or London starting Autumn 2026.

As an apprentice you’ll gain hands‑on experience supporting the design, maintenance and development of ports, harbours and waterfront infrastructure. You’ll work on a variety of projects from concept design through to construction helping to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that support global trade and coastal development.

Our Ports team works with major clients across the public and private sectors. Projects often include the design and refurbishment of quay walls, jetties, berths, breakwaters and cargo terminals as well as harbour expansions and coastal protection works. You’ll collaborate with engineers from different disciplines across AECOM to deliver integrated and resilient infrastructure solutions.

Job Responsibilities

• Production of CAD (Computer Aided Design) drawings
• Supporting the administration of projects including maintaining records
• Assisting with data review and analysis
• Contributing to providing solutions to problems
• Assisting with site visits to collect information or observe existing situations
• Combining work‑based on‑the‑job training and learning with further studies and must be willing to progress your career.

Application Requirements

• CV including details of any work experience and your education including dates, grades, subjects and the level of your education.
• Cover letter demonstrating your passion, why you are interested in this position and how your skills and education/qualifications support your application.

Qualifications

This position is ideally suited to school leavers at GCSE or A‑Level (or equivalent) who can demonstrate the following:

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above including Mathematics & English.
• Three A‑Levels (or equivalent) including Maths and a physical science at grade C or above – essential for level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
• Show an aptitude towards software‑based engineering and drawing (e.g. computer‑aided design and other similar 3D software).
• Demonstrate an interest and a desire to pursue a career in Rail or Bridge & Structures Engineering.
• Commitment to continued education and improvement through on‑the‑job learning and training opportunities.
• Creative, practical, adaptable and enthusiastic.
• Ability to demonstrate attention to detail.
• Ability to think in a methodical way to design, plan and organise parts of projects.
• English language proficiency holding excellent communication skills to present information in speech, drawings and reports.

Training

AECOM invests heavily in the quality of our apprentice & trainee programme and the opportunities it provides. The programme is designed to recruit school leavers who show commitment, aptitude and enthusiasm. You will combine work‑based on‑the‑job training and learning with further studies. After an initial probationary period you must be willing to undertake a day‑release course at a Further Education College to study a Level 3 course in a relevant discipline. Your Level 3 will be achieved during this time through your work experience. Driven by the successful completion of a Level 3 course, the successful applicant may wish to continue their studies at a higher level; AECOM may continue to support individuals through an appropriate part‑time BA degree course to support you towards a professional qualification status.

Key Skills

• Anti Money Laundering
• Healthcare Attorney
• Desktop Support
• Data Entry Operation
• Home Care
• Adobe Photoshop

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Remote Work: No

Employment Type: Full‑time