Maritime Mechanical and Electrical Mechanic Apprenticeship (Offshore)
Portsmouth, Hampshire, GB, PO1 3LT
Maritime Mechanical and Electrical Mechanic Apprenticeship
Location: England – Offshore Operations
Salary: £25,729.45 plus excellent benefits
Apprenticeship Qualification: Maritime mechanical and electrical mechanic (level 2)
Training: Attend the Fleetwood Nautical Campus (Blackpool & The Fylde College) - Schedule to be confirmed
Expected Duration: 24 Months FTC
Schedule: Full-Time/48 hours - including Sea phases and college-based learning
Start Date: January 2027
Ready to impact a better future?
Are you looking to start a rewarding career at Sea in Maritime Operations? Do you want to play a hands-on role in supporting critical military training exercises, while contributing to a safer, more secure, and sustainable future?
We are seeking motivated and enthusiastic Apprentices to join our Offshore Operations team.
Working at the frontline of defence support, our offshore vessels operate as global support platforms, delivering essential services to military training activities both in the UK and overseas. This is a unique opportunity for individuals who enjoy travel, adventure, and working in a disciplined team environment away from home. As an apprentice, you will earn from day one while working towards a recognised Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) qualification, gaining real-world experience that will set the foundation for a long-term career at sea.
What you’ll do as a Maritime Mechanical and Electrical Mechanic Apprenticeship
This is a unique apprenticeship where you will undertake the training and sea service required to achieve the qualification needed to eventually serve as an Engine Room Rating within the maritime industry.
A Maritime Mechanical and Electrical Mechanic works as a member of the engineering department on board ships, supporting the safe operation and maintenance of machinery and onboard systems. The role includes assisting with engine room watchkeeping duties; maintaining mechanical and electrical equipment; ensuring the safety and efficiency of vessel operations; and developing practical skills in maintenance, fault identification, and routine servicing of marine systems.
The programme combines practical, hands-on experience at sea with structured academic learning. You will gain on-the-job experience by serving on board Serco-operated vessels, alongside periods of study at the Fleetwood Nautical Campus (Blackpool & The Fylde College).
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to successfully complete ongoing assessments, culminating in an End Point Assessment (EPA) with IAMI. On successful completion, you will achieve an MCA Engine Room Rating Certificate.
You will be supported throughout by experienced crew, providing mentorship, guidance, and hands-on learning opportunities across a wide range of engineering tasks. All required travel and training associated with the apprenticeship will be fully funded by the business.
You’ll be entrusted to:
- Develop and demonstrate competence as a member of the engine room team under supervision
- Assist with the safe operation and monitoring of engine room machinery and systems
- Support routine maintenance tasks on mechanical and electrical equipment, following instructions and procedures
- Carry out basic fault identification and reporting, escalating issues to senior engineers as required
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and housekeeping within the engine room and associated spaces
- Assist with bunkering, lubrication, and fluid management activities in line with safety procedures
- Learn and support watchkeeping duties in the engine room, both in port and at sea
- Follow all health, safety, and environmental procedures, contributing to a strong safety culture onboard
- Support engineers during inspections, maintenance periods, and vessel operations
- Complete all elements of the apprenticeship programme, including college learning, sea phases, and training record book
- Work towards achieving the Engine Room Rating Certificate and associated mandatory training
- Demonstrate a positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to learn while working as part of a disciplined team
- Undertake mandatory training and demonstrate competence in emergency response, including fire-fighting and sea survival
- Achieve the required sea service within the timeframe set by the Maritime Training Officer
- Consistently demonstrate Serco values and behaviours throughout the apprenticeship
- Comply with the UK Merchant Navy Code of Conduct at all times
- Undertake additional duties and training appropriate to the role as required
Does this sound like you?
You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have:
- Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age
- Ability to be flexible between college phases and sea phases, including periods away from home
- British National, holding a valid UK Passport and the ability to achieve Security Clearance
- 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English at grade C/4 or above
- Ability to obtain an ENG1 unrestricted medical certificate
- The ability to work as part of a team in a disciplined, safety-focused environment
- A proactive attitude with a willingness to learn, grow and adapt
Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
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A little bit about us:
At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.
Our inclusive recruitment commitment:
We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.
- Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
- Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).
For support with your application, please contact recruitmentuk@serco.com.
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