Trainee Engineer Technician

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland; Irvine; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Electric car scheme

Employee recognition programmes

Family-friendly support

Exclusive retail discounts

Employee assistance programmes

Enhanced company pension

Job summary

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland is hiring a Trainee Engineer Technician in Irvine to gain hands-on experience supporting the maintenance, preparation and repair of survey vessels, vehicles and equipment. You will work closely with experienced engineers and surveyors, developing mechanical and electrical skills in a practical, on-site setting.

The role is ideal for someone starting their engineering career, with a proactive mindset, reliability, and a willingness to learn.

Qualifications

• An interest in mechanical engineering and a willingness to develop knowledge of electrical engineering.
• A practical, logical approach to tasks and problem-solving.
• A proactive and adaptable attitude, with a genuine willingness to learn.
• Reliability, good attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions.
• The ability to work effectively with colleagues and contribute to the wider team.
• Desirable: Seafarer Medical ENG1 and minimum STCW Sea Survival qualification.
• Desirable: Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with the maintenance, preparation and repair of survey vessels, vehicles, trailers and associated equipment in the workshop and field.
• Supporting vessel and vehicle inspections, safety checks and routine servicing.
• Helping maintain fleet records, maintenance schedules, spare parts inventories and equipment tracking systems.
• Assisting with project mobilisation and demobilisation activities, including working on a vessel.
• Working alongside engineers, surveyors and the Fleet Manager to identify and troubleshoot technical issues involving mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Developing practical engineering skills and technical knowledge through formal training and on-the-job experience.
• Following company health, safety and environmental procedures and ensuring safe systems of work are maintained.

Skills

Mechanical engineering interest

Problem solving

Willingness to learn

Reliability

Teamwork

Job description

• Department: LHS-LHS - Land & Hydrographic
• Business Unit: Land and Hydrographics

Company Description

About Environment & Safety

SOCOTEC’s Environment and Safety team provides expert environmental, health and safety consultancy and compliance services that help organisations manage risk, protect people and safeguard the environment. Our services include environmental monitoring and consultancy, water safety and hygiene solutions with Legionella risk assessments and water system management, fire safety consultancy and inspections, occupational hygiene assessments and workplace exposure monitoring, and specialist advisory support on regulatory and sustainability challenges. We use industry-leading tools and science-based approaches to deliver accurate data, practical guidance and innovative solutions that ensure compliance with UK legislation, minimise environmental impact and create healthier, safer workplaces for clients

What's in it for you?

Your expertise deserves recognition. Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package.

• 25 days holiday (with the option to buy more)
• an electric car scheme (where applicable)
• employee recognition programmes
• family-friendly support
• exclusive retail discounts
• employee assistance programmes
• an enhanced company pension

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland are proud to be Disability Confident accredited.

Job Description

Are you interested in mechanical or electrical engineering and looking to build a hands-on technical career? This could be your opportunity to develop practical skills and gain valuable industry experience as a Trainee Engineer Technician, playing a vital role in supporting SOCOTEC’s continued success.

As SOCOTEC grows, so do our teams. We’re looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Trainee Engineer Technician to join our team in Irvine and wear the SOCOTEC badge with pride. If you enjoy practical work, solving problems and learning how things work, this could be the ideal opportunity to turn your interests into a career.

We are seeking a proactive, reliable and flexible Trainee Engineer Technician to work under the guidance and supervision of our Fleet Manager. You’ll gain hands‑on experience supporting the maintenance, preparation and repair of survey vessels, vehicles, trailers and associated equipment. Working alongside experienced engineers, surveyors and colleagues, you’ll develop your technical knowledge through practical experience and training.

This role is suited to someone at the beginning of their career who has an interest in engineering, a practical and logical approach to problem‑solving, and the motivation to learn. Previous exposure to mechanical engineering would be beneficial, but enthusiasm, adaptability and a willingness to develop are equally important.

The tasks you will undertake will include (but are not limited to):

Assisting with the maintenance, preparation and repair of survey vessels, vehicles, trailers and associated equipment in the workshop and field.

Supporting vessel and vehicle inspections, safety checks and routine servicing.

Helping maintain fleet records, maintenance schedules, spare parts inventories and equipment tracking systems.

Assisting with project mobilisation and demobilisation activities, which may include working on a vessel.

Working alongside engineers, surveyors and the Fleet Manager to identify and troubleshoot technical issues involving mechanical and electrical equipment.

Developing practical engineering skills and technical knowledge through formal training and on‑the‑job experience.

Following company health, safety and environmental procedures and ensuring safe systems of work are maintained.

Qualifications

To be a successful Trainee Engineer Technician, you should be able to demonstrate:

An interest in mechanical engineering and a willingness to develop knowledge of electrical engineering.

A practical, logical approach to tasks and problem‑solving.

A proactive and adaptable attitude, with a genuine willingness to learn.

Reliability, good attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions.

The ability to work effectively with colleagues and contribute to the wider team.

A commitment to health, safety and environmental procedures.

An enthusiasm for developing technical skills and progressing within the engineering field.

The following would also be desirable:

Seafarer Medical ENG1 and minimum STCW Sea Survival qualification.

Full UK driving licence.

If you’re ready to get hands‑on, learn from experienced professionals and develop a career in engineering, SOCOTEC could be the ideal place to begin your journey.

Full‑time, 40 hours per week.

Based at our premises in Irvine.

Occasional weekend working, travel and overnight stays may be required to support projects.

Additional Information

Why SOCOTEC?

Join a thriving community of over 2,000 industry professionals who are passionate about making a real difference. At SOCOTEC UK, we're not just delivering services - we're shaping the future of testing, inspection, and certification across the nation.

What sets us apart? Our people. We've built our reputation on attracting exceptional talent like you and empowering them to deliver excellence at every turn. Our comprehensive range of TIC services means you'll have the opportunity to work on diverse, challenging projects that truly matter.

In this role, you won't just be another employee - you'll be a key player in our continued success story. Your expertise will directly contribute to our mission of building a safer, more sustainable world, while you grow your career alongside some of the industry's finest professionals.

Build a traditional career path or explore opportunities across multiple disciplines - all within SOCOTEC. Your choice, your direction.

Work Your Way

Local, national, or global projects. Office-based, remote, or hybrid. We offer the flexibility that empowers you to perform at your best.

Committed to Your Growth

From day one, you'll have access to comprehensive training, mentorship, and development programs. We support every step of your professional journey. #YouGrowWeGrow

Think you've got what it takes to add value to our success? We would love to hear from you and look forward to receiving your application.

Building a safer and more sustainable world is the core mission we set out to achieve at SOCOTEC, it is at the heart of everything that we do. We are committed to acting as a key player in society, investing in innovative solutions to ensure social and environmental concerns are at the forefront of all of our business operations.