About the role - 4-year fixed-term Apprenticeship

We are seeking a motivated, practically minded individual with a genuine interest in marine engineering to join our Marine Engineering team as an Apprentice.

This is an exciting opportunity to build a career in a unique marine environment, gaining hands-on experience working on a fleet of vessels while working towards a recognised qualification. You will be supported by experienced engineers and gain exposure to a wide range of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems that keep essential marine operations running safely and efficiently.

About you

We are looking for someone who is genuinely interested in marine engineering and enjoys understanding how mechanical systems work in a real operational environment.

You will likely be someone who:

Naturally takes things apart, fixes them, or wants to understand how they work
Enjoys practical, hands-on tasks and takes pride in doing them well
Is curious, asks questions, and is keen to learn from experienced engineers
Is reliable, motivated, and enjoys being part of a close-knit team

You may already have:

Studied a relevant subject such as engineering or mechanics, or
Gained hands-on experience through hobbies, projects, or work experience (for example working on vehicles, boats, engines, or mechanical equipment)

This role is best suited to candidates who already have a strong interest in engineering and the marine environment, and are looking to develop this into a long-term career.

What you will be doing

Working as part of the Marine Engineering team, you will:

Support the maintenance, repair, and servicing of vessels, plant, and equipment
Assist with routine inspections and planned maintenance activities
Learn to identify and resolve faults under supervision
Work alongside engineers on engine rebuilds, installations, and sea trials
Contribute to workshop and onboard vessel activities
Maintain tools and equipment and report any deficiencies
Assist with general tasks including stores support, housekeeping, and vessel preparation
Operate equipment such as forklifts and vehicles where required (subject to training and authorisation)

No two days are the same—you’ll be working across workshop and vessel environments, often outdoors and hands-on.

Apprenticeship programme

This is a Level 3 Marine Engineering Apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with South Essex College.

Off-the-job training will take place one day per week at the South Essex College Luckyn Lane Campus, where you will study towards the Maritime Engineering Technician Apprenticeship standard.

The remainder of your time will be spent gaining practical, hands-on experience within Harwich Haven Authority’s Marine Engineering team.

The programme runs over four years:

Years 1–3: Weekly day release to South Essex College (Luckyn Lane Campus) alongside workplace learning
Year 4: Full-time workplace-based development and consolidation of skills

On successful completion, you will achieve:

Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Marine Engineering
Maritime Engineering Technician Apprenticeship certification
Recognition as an Engineering Technician (EngTech) with the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)

You will also gain:

Practical experience in a specialist marine engineering environment
Training delivered in partnership with a recognised industry provider
The opportunity to apply learning directly to real vessels and operational marine systems

Requirements

GCSE Grade 4 (or equivalent) in English and Maths (or willingness to achieve alongside the apprenticeship)
Minimum age of 18 (due to health and safety requirements)
Ability to pass an ENG1 medical examination
Full UK driving licence (or working towards)
Ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays when required

Why join us?

This is a unique opportunity to join a specialist organisation where marine engineering plays a critical role in supporting operations on the water.

We offer:

Competitive salary and pension scheme
Flexible benefits including buy/sell annual leave, cycle-to-work and electric car schemes
Onsite perks such as free parking and weekly fruit deliveries
Social, health, and wellbeing activities
A supportive team environment living our values: Safety, Expertise, Teamwork & Positive Impact

Please click “Apply Online”, outlining your interest in marine engineering and any relevant experience, projects, or hobbies that demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field.

Pay: £28,453.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events
Company pension
Cycle to work scheme
Free parking
On-site parking
Private medical insurance

Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Harwich Haven Authority

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Marine Engineering Apprentice