Serco Plc
Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprenticeship (Offshore)
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprenticeship (Offshore)
Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprenticeship (Offshore)
Location: England – Offshore Operations Salary: £25,729.45 (plus excellent benefits) Apprenticeship Qualification: Level 4 Small Vessel Chief Engineer Training: Fleetwood Nautical Campus (Blackpool & The Fylde College) – schedule to be confirmed Expected Duration: Up to 60 months Schedule: Full-time (48-hour weeks, including sea phases and college-based learning) Start Date: October 2026
About the Role
Ready to embark on a rewarding career at sea while contributing to a safer, more sustainable future?
We are seeking motivated and enthusiastic apprentices to join our Offshore Operations team.
These vessels provide essential global support for military training exercises across the UK and overseas. This unique apprenticeship combines hands-on experience with an MCA-recognised L4 Small Vessel Chief Engineer qualification, earning you a living while developing future-proof skills.
As an apprentice, you will gain practical skills and on-the-job training that will launch a long-term career at sea.
What You’ll Do
This apprenticeship will equip you for a future role as a Small Vessel Chief Engineer, responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, and management of a ship’s machinery and systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Destination Career Path: Progress towards serving as a Chief Engineer on small vessels
- Duties on Board: Oversee propulsion, electrical, and auxiliary systems
- Maintenance & Repairs: Fault finding, technical repairs, planned maintenance, and inspections
- Safety & Compliance: Ensuring adherence to safety and regulatory requirements
- On-the-Job Training: Combines sea experience with structured college-based learning
- Mentorship: Work alongside experienced crew who provide guidance in advanced engineering tasks
- Assessments: Complete ongoing assessments with IAMI End Point Assessment
- Final Qualification: Upon completion, achieve the MCA Small Vessel Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency (CoC)
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
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.
It 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.
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.
Your remit for the next 60 months:
- Develop competence as an engineering deckhand on assigned vessels
- Complete college-based training (including extended periods away from home)
- Engage in engine room watchkeeping (day and night)
- Undertake mechanical/electrical workshops with a focus on safety
- Gain expertise in propulsion systems, auxiliary machinery, and supporting systems
- Contribute to dry dockings, refits, inspections, and classification surveys
- Complete mandatory emergency response training (fire-fighting and sea survival)
- Build proficiency in company engineering procedures (records, spare parts, safety)
- Ensure compliance with the UK Merchant Navy Code of Conduct
- Perform additional duties as required during the programme
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Requirements
To be considered for this apprenticeship, you must:
- Be minimum 18 years old
- Possess a British Nationality with a valid UK passport and the ability to obtain a Security Clearance
- Achieve EEng1 medical clearance
- Hold 4 GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths, English, and Science at grade C/4 or above
- Be flexible to accommodate both college phases and sea periods (approximately 1–2 weeks at home, then 2–3 months at sea)
- Have a proactive mindset with the willingness to adapt, grow, and learn
- Be able to work with a disciplined, safety-focused team
Why Serco? We prioritise your skills, offering flexibility and equal opportunities. As:
- A Disability Confident Leader
- Top GB Employer of Veterans
- Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder
We guarantee interviews for applicants with disabilities, veterans, or unspent convictions.
For support, email recruitmentuk@serco.com.
Ready to have an impact?
Apply today and start your journey towards a fulfilling career at sea! 🌊
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills