Apprenticeships & Qualifications

What are Apprenticeships?

As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills.  Off the job, usually on a day-release basis, apprentices receive training to work towards nationally recognised qualifications. 

Apprenticeships are open to all aged 16 and above, regardless of previous qualifications and work experience.

Apprenticeships are designed with the help of the employers in the industry, so they offer a structured programme that takes you through the skills you need to do a job well.

What Kind of Apprenticeships are offered in the marine industry?

Boat Building and Marine Engineering Careers

There are many different job roles in the building of boats, including marine engineer, marine electrician, shipwright, painter, rigger, carpenter to name a few.  The apprentice will complete an Intermediate or Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering Manufacture, typically the apprentice would complete the Marine –Yacht and Boatbuilding, Maintenance and Repair pathway and would complete the following qualifications:

  • NVQ Diploma in Marine Engineering
  • City and Guilds Diploma in Marine Construction, Systems Engineering and Maintenance
  • Functional Skills in English, Mathematics and ICT
  • Employment Rights and Responsibilities
  • Personal Learning and Thinking Skills

The full versions of the Intermediate and Advanced Engineering Manufacture Apprenticeships can be found here - Engineering Manufacturing Level 2 and Engineering Manufacturing Level 3.

* Photo courtesy of Sunseeker International Ltd

Sunseeker International now has a new micro site with a PR video for their apprenticeship programme, more information here.

Watersports Instruction Careers

An apprenticeship in Outdoor programmes is suitable for those who interested in becoming a Watersports instructor, managing and operating a Watersports centre, leading water based outdoor and adventurous activities. To achieve the apprenticeship you will need to complete the following:

  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Outdoor Programmes
  • Leve3 Certificate or Diploma in Sailing and Watersports
  • Functional Skills

It is also recommended that the apprentice complete at least two additional qualifications relevant to sailing and Watersports, for example Royal Yachting Association Dinghy Instructor, or Royal Yachting Association Advanced Windsurf Instructor.

For further information contact Skills Active www.skillsactive.com

A full version of the Outdoor Programmes Apprenticeship is available here.

* Photo courtesy of Rockley Watersports Ltd

Maritime Careers

The Maritime sector offers a wide range of opportunities for those who are seeking a career that is closely associated with the sea, rivers and waterways. This apprenticeship route will enable new entrants to work safely and effectively on board a vessel and undertake a number of job roles that include assisting the deck team, assisting in the engine room, hauling fishing gear and stowing the catch, loading cargo or the management of passengers.

A full version of the Maritime Occupations Framework is available here.

For further details regarding this Apprenticeship route, go to:  www.maritimeskills.org.

How to find an Apprenticeship?

To become an apprentice you need to find an employer, who is willing to take on an apprentice. Many companies run apprenticeship schemes, and the following suggestions will help you find an apprenticeship.

  • Visit http://www.apprenticeship.org.uk/  , register your details and search for apprenticeships in your chosen field 
  • Contact employers directly, many employers will advertise their apprenticeship recruitment programmes on their website or alternatively you could submit your CV requesting an apprenticeship position
  • Talk to your local further education college or training provider, many help employers recruit apprentice.
  • The British Marine Federation  find a member service will help you learn more about the companies in the marine industry http://www.britishmarine.co.uk/map/findamember.aspx, 
  • Contact the British Marine Federation Training Team  01784 223631 or training@britishmarine.co.uk

Reading the marine apprentice case studies will give you further insight into apprenticeships.