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Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprenticeship

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Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprenticeship
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.
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
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
Where you'll work
Hms Drake
Plymouth
PL2 2BG
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
Training course
Small vessel chief engineer (level 4)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Course contents
- Take personal emergency action onboard a vessel. [MCA]
- Respond to emergencies onboard a vessel. [MCA]
- Take control of survival craft and rescue boats. [MCA]
- Take charge of an engine room watch. [MCA]
- Prepare and operate vessel propulsion machinery and ancillary systems. [MCA]
- Operate vessel ancillaries and service machinery. [MCA]
- Operate and adjust vessel electrical systems. [MCA]
- Carry out maintenance to vessel electrical machinery and systems. [MCA]
- Carry out maintenance to vessel mechanical machinery and systems. [MCA]
- Maintain personal health, safety and environmental standards onboard a vessel. [MCA]
- Maintain safe, legal and effective working practices onboard a vessel. [MCA]
- Maintain and enhance productive working relationships onboard a vessel. [MCA]
- Identify costs and create a draft budget for sign-off.
- Apply project management techniques.
- Identify, organise, and use resources to complete tasks.
- Diagnose problems. Resolve or escalate problems in line with responsibilities.
- Review work to identify improvements.
- Communicate verbally and in writing with others for example, colleagues and contractors onboard or ashore.
- Complete documentation for example, machinery space logbook and oil record book.
- Write technical reports.
- Use information technology for example, word processing, spreadsheets, email, and presentation.
Training schedule
This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.


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Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade level 4 - 9)
- Maths (grade Level 4-9)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
At Serco
Not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play, from caring for vulnerable people to managing complex public services. We are a team of 50,000 people responsible for delivering essential public services around the world in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone.
Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay opens in new tab.
L4 Small Vessel Chief Engineer.
The contact for this apprenticeship is: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000048222.
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