Serco
Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprenticeship (Offshore)
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Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprenticeship (Offshore)
Offshore Operations – Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprenticeship
Location: England – Offshore Operations Salary: £25,729.45 per annum (plus excellent benefits) Qualification: Level 4 Small Vessel Chief Engineer Degree Apprenticeship Training Provider: Fleetwood Nautical Campus (Blackpool & The Fylde College) Expected Duration: Up to 60 months Schedule: Full-time (48-hour shifts), including sea phases and college-based learning Start Date: October 2026
Are you looking to begin a rewarding career at sea? Do you want to support critical military training exercises while contributing to a more secure, sustainable future? We are searching for motivated and enthusiastic apprentices to join our Offshore Operations team.
About the Role
This is a hands-on opportunity where you will work towards a recognised Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) qualification, gaining real-world experience on board Serco-operated vessels.
Our offshore vessels act as global support platforms, providing essential services for military training both in the UK and overseas. This role involves travel, adventure, and disciplined teamwork, with the potential to launch a long-term career at sea.
As an apprentice, you will:
- Earn while you learn, supported by skilled crew and mentors
- Gain practical, hands-on experience in engineering, maintenance, safety, and operations
- Study at one of the UK’s leading maritime training colleges
What You’ll Do as a Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprentice
Your role will be to gain the skills and qualifications needed to eventually serve as a Chief Engineer on our small vessels.
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Key Responsibilities Include:
Onboard Experience
- Work as a member of the engineering department, supporting propulsion, electrical, and auxiliary systems
- Perform engine room watchkeeping duties during day and night operations, both at sea and in port
- Fault-find, maintain, and repair machinery to ensure smooth vessel operations
- Assist in dry dockings, refits, inspections, and classification surveys
- Participate in emergency drills, including fire-fighting and sea survival training
College-Based Learning
- Attend structured training at the Fleetwood Nautical Campus for periods of study
- Develop specialised knowledge under MCA-approved programmes
- Pass required assessments, including an End Point Assessment (EPA) with IAMI
Technical & Transitometrics Competencies
- Perform planned and reactive maintenance on propulsion, auxiliary systems, and supporting equipment
- Practice controls, instrumentation, and safety systems
- Maintain accurate records (spare parts, maintenance logs, safety systems)
- Comply with UK Merchant Navy Code of Conduct
Mentorship & Training
- Work under experienced engineering personnel, learning from hands-on mentorship
- Achieve required sea service in line with Maritime Training Officer guidance
Who You Are
We are looking for candidates with:
✅ Minimum age: 18 years ✅ Flexibility: Ability to adjust between college phases and sea phases, including extended periods away from home ✅ Nationality & Security: British national, in possession of a valid UK passport, and eligibility for Security Clearance ✅ Academic Qualifications:
- 4 GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths, English, and Science, at grade C/4 or above
- Ability to obtain a restricted/unrestricted ENG1 medical certificate ✅ Work Ethic:
- Demonstrating proactive attitude, willingness to learn, and strong disciplined teamwork
- Commitment to safety compliance ✅ Team Culture Alignment: Be ready to embody Serco values of Trust, Care, Innovation, and Pride
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Let’s Impact a Better Future
By joining Serco, you’ll do more than just work: you’ll contribute to vital public services, ensuring a safer and more secure operational environment.
About Serco
At Serco, we deliver essential public services across Defence, Transport, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure & Justice. Our global team of 50,000+ share a ** verbreed mission**—to improve the services that commitments rely on.
We prioritise inclusive recruitment, guaranteeing interview schemes to: 🔵 People with disabilities 🔵 Veterans 🔵 Former prisoners (locations permitting under security exemptions)
We provide flexible and hybrid roles where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout the process.
For assistance with your application, contact recruitmentuk@serco.com.
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Apply to begin a lifelong career, where your dedication will shape a safer future at sea.
Do you want to help shape the future? Apply today through Serco’s Defence careers site.
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