Serco Plc
Seafarer Deck Rating Apprentice
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Seafarer Deck Rating Apprentice
Seafarer (Able Seafarer – Deck) Apprentice
Location: HMNB Portsmouth, PO1 3LT
Salary: £25,729.45 plus excellent benefits
Apprenticeship Qualification: Level 2 Certificate Able Seafarer (Deck)
** Training:** North Kent College (schedule to be confirmed)
Expected Duration: 24 months
Schedule: Full-time (48 hrs) including sea phases and college-based learning
Start Date: 14 September 2026
Ready to impact a better future?
As an Able Seafarer Deck Apprentice within our Defence Marine Services team, you’ll gain practical sea service experience while earning your Able Seafarer (Deck) qualification. Your role ensures the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of maritime operations—cutting-edge opportunities with immediate impact as part of our team of trusted professionals.
This is your chance to build a fulfilling maritime career. You’ll learn from experienced crews, develop specialist skills, and create solutions that directly support defence operations. Every day brings new challenges, growth, and the satisfaction of contributing to meaningful work in a well-supported team.
The Role
As an Able Seafarer Deck Apprentice, you’ll undertake the following key responsibilities:
- Work as a member of the deck department onboard assigned vessels.
- Learn and carry out bridge watchkeeping duties, including maintaining a lookout 24/7.
- Support routine vessel maintenance and assist with deck equipment, mooring systems, and safety protocols.
- Carry out housekeeping duties and help maintain high standards in vessel and accommodation spaces.
- Complete all apprenticeship training requirements and tasks logged in the Able Seafarer (Deck) Training Record Book.
- Prioritise the safety, security, and wellbeing of colleagues, vessels, and the marine environment.
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Essential Requirements
To join the Able Seafarer Deck Apprentice team, the following baseline criteria apply:
- Must be 18+ years of age.
- 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths at grade C/4 or above.
- Ability to obtain Security Clearance and meet UK citizenship requirements.
- Eligibility to gain an ENG1 Unrestricted Medical Certificate, including meeting vision/health standards.
- A genuine enthusiasm for developing a maritime career, coupled with a commitment to continuous learning.
Additionally, we value:
- Strong teamwork, communication, and adaptability.
- Resilience to cope with varied working environments and conditions.
What We Offer
Serco prides itself on delivering world-class support, fostering growth, and investing in people. This position includes:
- Policies & Benefits:
- 25 days leave plus bank holidays.
- Training & Development:
- +1,100 internal courses available.
- Funding for qualifications, apprenticeships (including Level 3 Team Leader and Level 5 Operations Manager).
- Mentoring opportunities.
- Focused support for internal progression.
- Health & Wellbeing:
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Bupa Anytime HealthLine access.
- Wellbeing app.
- 30% discount at Serco-managed fitness centres.
- 24/7 GP access.
- Discounts:
- Partner with over 1,000 retailers in food, fashion, and entertainment.
- Charity Initiatives:
- A paid volunteering day.
- Tax-free charity giving through the Payroll Giving Scheme.
- ‘Donate your pennies’ initiative supporting the Serco People Fund Charity.
- Employee Networks:
- Supporting diversity and inclusion with specialised groups for:
- LGBTQIA+ colleagues
- Women
- Parents, carboxyl providers
- Individuals with disabilities
- Veterans
- All cultural backgrounds
- Supporting diversity and inclusion with specialised groups for:
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About Us
We’re more than a workplace—we’re a community.
At Serco, we deliver essential public services—transports, justice, healthcare, defence, and more. With 50,000 professionals worldwide, we are guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation, and Pride.
Inclusive Commitment: We proudly stand as:
- A Disability Confident Leader.
- UK’s top employer for veterans in 2026.
- Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder.
We empower equal opportunities for all. Flexible work, reasonable adjustments, and mentorship ensure every colleague can thrive.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants with disabilities, veterans, or convictions who meet the basic requirements.
Let’s build a brighter future—together.
Ready to take the next step? Apply today via the jobs listing.
For support with your application, contact recruitmentuk@serco.com.
Explore more opportunities in defence and maritime careers at defencejobs.gov.uk or serco.com.
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