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: L4 Small Vessel Chief Engineer

Training: Attend the Fleetwood Nautical Campus (Blackpool & The Fylde College) - Schedule to be confirmed

Expected Duration: Up to 60 months

Schedule: Full-Time/48 hours - including Sea phases and college-based learning

Start Date: October 2026

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 Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprentice

This is a unique apprenticeship where you will undertake the training and sea service required to achieve the qualification needed to eventually serve as a Chief Engineer on board our small vessels.

A Small Vessel Chief Engineer works as a member of the engineering department on board ships, responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, and management of the vessel’s machinery and engineering systems. The role involves overseeing propulsion, electrical, and auxiliary systems; ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements; and carrying out a wide range of technical tasks including fault finding, repairs, planned maintenance, and supporting inspections and surveys.

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 a Small Vessel Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency (CoC).

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 engineering department on assigned vessels
• Undertake academic training at a maritime college, including extended periods away from home, to achieve the MCA Small Vessel Chief Engineer CoC and associated certifications
• Learn and perform engine room watchkeeping duties, both at sea and in port, during day and night operations
• Complete assigned mechanical and electrical workshop training, working safely and responsibly at all times
• Become competent in planned and reactive maintenance, including work on main propulsion systems, auxiliary machinery, and supporting systems
• Assist in dry dockings, refits, statutory inspections, and classification surveys, gaining understanding of relevant rules and regulations
• Undertake mandatory training and demonstrate competence in emergency response, including fire-fighting and sea survival
• Develop a strong working knowledge of company engineering procedures, including record keeping, spare parts management, and safety systems
• 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, English and Science 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

What we offer

• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays
• Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• Training and development: Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (including L3 Team Leader and L5 Operations Manager apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression
• Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
• Discounts: Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
• Charity: Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
• Employee networks: Our networks support inclusion and connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, veterans, and people from all cultural backgrounds.

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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