Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprentice

Serco Limited; Kyle of Lochalsh; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Serco Limited offers a Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprenticeship in our Maritime team. You will gain hands-on engineering experience while working toward a recognised qualification, contributing to vital maritime operations that support national infrastructure and defence.

This apprenticeship includes training and sea service to achieve the Certificate of Competency, support for vessel crews in port operations and watchkeeping, maintenance of mechanical and electrical systems, and academic

Qualifications

• Must be 18+ years old.
• Have minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent), including Mathematics, English and Science.
• Clearance and meet UK citizenship requirements.
• Eligibility to gain an ENG1 Unrestricted Medical Certificate, including eyesight standards.
• Genuine interest in maritime engineering and a commitment to learning and development.
• Willingness to travel and spend periods away from home for training and sea service.

Responsibilities

• Undertake training and sea service to achieve a Small Vessel Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency.
• Support vessel crews in port operations and during sea passages, including watchkeeping duties day and night.
• Assist with planned and unplanned maintenance on mechanical and electrical systems, including work during dry dockings and refits.
• Complete academic study at Fleetwood Nautical Campus alongside practical on-the-job training.
• Support inspections and surveys, building knowledge of maritime regulations and compliance requirements.
• Develop the skills to respond to onboard emergency situations including fire and sea survival scenarios.

Skills

maritime engineering interest

commitment to learning and development

willingness to travel

Education

GCSEs including Maths, English and Science

Job description

Ready to impact a better future?

As a Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprenticeship in our Maritime team, you'll gain hands‑on experience while working towards a recognised engineering qualification, contributing to vital maritime operations that support national infrastructure and defence.

This is a unique opportunity to build a long‑term career at sea, developing practical engineering skills while supporting the operation and maintenance of specialist vessels. Your work will play a key role in ensuring safe and effective maritime services that have a positive impact on communities and national operations.

What you'll do as a Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprenticeship

You'll be entrusted to:

• Undertake training and sea service to achieve a Small Vessel Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency
• Support vessel crews in port operations and during sea passages, including watchkeeping duties day and night
• Assist with planned and unplanned maintenance on mechanical and electrical systems, including work during dry dockings and refits
• Complete academic study at Fleetwood Nautical Campus alongside practical on‑the‑job training
• Support inspections and surveys, building knowledge of maritime regulations and compliance requirements
• Develop the skills to respond to onboard emergency situations including fire and sea survival scenarios

Does this sound like you?

You'll be a great fit for this role if you:

Are 18+ years old

• Have minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent), including Mathematics, English and Science
• Have Clearance and meet UK citizenship requirements
• Eligibility to gain an ENG1 Unrestricted Medical Certificate, including eyesight standards
• Have a genuine interest in maritime engineering and a commitment to learning and development
• Have a willingness to travel and spend periods away from home for training and sea service

What you'll do as a Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprenticeship

You'll be entrusted to:

• Undertake training and sea service to achieve a Small Vessel Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency
• Support vessel crews in port operations and during sea passages, including watchkeeping duties day and night
• Assist with planned and unplanned maintenance on mechanical and electrical systems, including work during dry dockings and refits
• Complete academic study at Fleetwood Nautical Campus alongside practical on‑the‑job training
• Support inspections and surveys, building knowledge of maritime regulations and compliance requirements
• Develop the skills to respond to onboard emergency situations including fire and sea survival scenarios

Does this sound like you?

You'll be a great fit for this role if you:

Are 18+ years old

• Have minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent), including Mathematics, English and Science
• Have Clearance and meet UK citizenship requirements
• Eligibility to gain an ENG1 Unrestricted Medical Certificate, including eyesight standards
• Have a genuine interest in maritime engineering and a commitment to learning and development
• Have a willingness to travel and spend periods away from home for training and sea service

Discover all you need to keep growing

We're one of the top 1% of international employers, so you can have confidence you'll be part of a highly supportive culture with leaders you can count on to help you achieve your goals. From mentoring and training to our focus on internal progression, we're proud to offer clear development opportunities - and the support and tools to help you seize them.