Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprentice

Small Vessel Marine Engineering Apprenticeship
Location: HMNB Portsmouth, PO1 3LT
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday–Friday
Salary: £19,554 per annum + great benefits
Qualification: Level 4 Small Vessel Chief Engineer
Duration: Up to 60 months

Power the future of UK maritime defence

Are you hands-on, curious, and ready to build a career that truly matters? This is more than just a job — it’s your chance to learn by doing, not just sitting behind a desk. As an apprentice with our Maritime team at His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Portsmouth, you’ll gain real engineering experience aboard live vessels, train with industry experts, and work toward a recognised qualification as a Small Vessel Chief Engineer.

This is your chance to be part of something bigger. What you do here will directly support Royal Navy operations, submarine rescue missions, and military training at sea — contributing to the safety, security, and operational strength of the UK.

What you’ll do

This isn’t just an education — it’s a career-launching journey. You’ll combine classroom learning with real-world sea time, and we’ll support you every step of the way.

Here’s what your day-to-day and training will look like — you’ll:

•    Gain real engineering skills by working aboard live vessels as part of the engineering team
•    Attend study blocks (typically 2–6 weeks) at Fleetwood Nautical Campus of Blackpool and The Fylde College to work towards your Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Small Vessel Certificate of Competency
•    Learn and perform watchkeeping duties on board during day and night shifts — including underway at sea and while docked
•    Complete practical mechanical and electrical workshop training, learning to work safely and responsibly
•    Take part in planned and emergency maintenance on engines, systems, and auxiliary machinery — including during dry dockings and refits
•    Assist with statutory inspections and classification surveys to ensure vessels meet regulatory standards
•    Train for emergency situations such as fire response, sea survival, and other essential maritime safety skills
•    Learn key operational processes like record-keeping, ordering spares, and compliance with engineering procedures
•    Build your sea time under guidance from a Maritime Training Officer
•    Always uphold Serco values and comply with the UK Merchant Navy Code of Conduct

And as you grow in skill and confidence, you’ll take on more responsibility — ready to qualify as a Chief Engineer on smaller vessels by the end of the apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship offers the best of both worlds — classroom learning and practical, hands-on experience — with all training travel and costs covered by us!

What you’ll need

You don’t need prior experience — just the right mindset and a willingness to learn. You’ll need:

•    To be 18+ years old

Be a UK citizen and eligible for Home Office Security Clearance
•    Minimum 4 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above including English, Maths, and Science (or equivalent)
•    To pass a medical exam (ENG1 Unrestricted), including eyesight — we’ll cover the cost
•    Willingness to spend time away from home during training blocks and sea service

What you’ll get

•    A meaningful career in defence and national security
•    6% pension contribution
•    25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays
•    Access to physical and mental health support
•    Discounts at major brands through the Serco Benefits Portal, including travel, shopping, leisure and dining
•    A team that supports your success and champions growth 
•    A company committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating opportunities for everybody

A little bit about us

At Serco, we’re a fast-growing global company, delivering vital public services across Defence, Justice, Immigration, Leisure, Healthcare, Transport, and Citizen Services. And within Maritime Services, we operate a fleet of specialist vessels that support UK Defence — from submarine rescue and dive support to military training and target recovery. Whether in port or out at sea, we’re trusted to keep vital operations moving safely, smoothly, and securely.

We value everyone for who they are and what they bring. As one of the top 1% of international employers, we’re committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can thrive. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Leader, a signatory of the Women in Defence Charter, and a company that champions equal opportunity for all. If you need any adjustments at any stage of the process, just let us know — we’re here to support you.

Impact a better future – apply today.

 
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To discover more about our careers in Defence, meet our team, and to find out more about what we offer, please follow this Link. We’re also a signatory of the UK Governments Women in Defence Charter, to find out more please click here.

Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles and when that happens, we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment. 

At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. As a proud Disability Confident Leader and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard, disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. 

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