Boatbuilder Apprentice

Summary

This is an exceptional opportunity for six highly motivated individuals to undertake a four-year apprenticeship at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre (ALC) in Poole, commencing in September 2025. Our apprentices work alongside experienced Technicians on all classes of Lifeboat and associated plant.

Wage

£15,704 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

with annual pay increases throughout your apprenticeship

Training course

Boatbuilder (level 3)

Hours

Full-time - details at interview

40 hours a week

Possible start date

Monday 1 September

Duration

3 years 6 months

Positions available

2

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

We are currently seeking six apprentices across three different trades (marine electrical, boat building and mechanical) but you are only required to complete one application form indicating which trade(s) you would like to be considered for in order of preference.

During the four-year programme, you will work towards completing the new style standards-based apprenticeship. You will attend Bournemouth & Poole College for your off-the-job training. You will ideally hold at least three GCSEs (grade 4 or above, or equivalent) including maths, English, and Science, but not essential.

If you successfully pass the first round of shortlisting, you will be required to attend an interview at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole during week commencing 21st April 2025 (subject to college eligibility checks).

Please see below for further information on our different trades.

Apprentice - Electrical x2 - During your apprenticeship you will learn about:

Assembling, installing, repairing, modifying, diagnosing, and maintaining all types of electrical equipment and systems

Apprentice - Boat Builder x2 - During your apprenticeship you will gain job specific skills:

Understanding engineering drawings, lofting to build plug and moulds, understanding of composite materials, assembling, installation, repairing, modifying, maintaining

Apprentice - Mechanic x2 - During your apprenticeship you will learn about:

Assembling, installing, repairing, modifying, diagnosing, and maintaining all aspects of mechanical equipment and systems

Come and join us to build your career at this centre of excellence and help save lives at sea.

Where you’ll work

RNLI

West Quay Road

Poole

BH15 1HZ

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

BOURNEMOUTH AND POOLE COLLEGE, THE

Your training course

Boatbuilder (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Prepare the work area
Maintain safe, clean and efficient work methods and environments
Identify and minimise hazards and risks in the workplace
Select, use, maintain and store equipment, tools and materials
Follow and maintain work procedures, method statements and production records
Make the most efficient and effective use of resources, time and materials
Prepare for meetings and discussions
Use appropriate listening, questioning, recording and presentation techniques
Use appropriate marine terminology
Use estimating techniques to support discussions
Review and verify designs and plans
Finalise time and cost of the work to be done
Identify and source equipment, machinery, tools and materials
Make, produce and use jigs and templates as required
Set up tools and machinery
Manufacture or repair components to the required specification
Move components using the appropriate safe methods
Check components for robustness, fit and tolerances
Analyse problems with machinery, equipment,
tools and material, proposing/implementing solutions where appropriate
Move, shape and manipulate components to achieve best fit
Select and use appropriate methods for holding materials and components in place during assembly, and for the connecting, fixing and assembly of materials and components
Safeguard materials and components during assembly
Select suitable methods of repair that are effective and maintain original construction
Select suitable methods for fault finding and analysis
Make repairs whilst safeguarding the integrity of components and the surrounding area
Identify, mark, store and organise dismantled parts for reassembly
Determine the order and work methods
Install and fix components using the most appropriate method and material
Ensure that joins are suitably made and treated
Position and fit items
Finalise fit out for deck hardware
Check joins are sealed and fit for purpose
Prepare surfaces, treat suitably and ensure are free from defects and protected
Soften or suitably finish edges
Assess quality of work
Assess fixtures and fittings for quality and stability
Contribute to the commissioning of the boat as required
Assemble required documentation
Brief recipients verbally with necessary documentation

Your training plan

Level 3 Boatbuilder Apprenticeship Standard https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/boatbuilder-v1-2

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

5 GCSE including English and Maths (grade 4 or above)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Practical skills
Self management
Team working

About this company

Our lifeboat crews and lifeguards need a dedicated, professional, and talented team behind them to give them lifesaving equipment that will stand up to the most ferocious weather around the UK and Ireland. In 2015 we completed the build of the All-weather Lifeboat Centre (ALC) in Poole so that we can manufacture and maintain lifeboats to the highest of standards. We have now brought our entire All-weather lifeboat refit activity in house after the success of transferring Shannon Class lifeboat production into the ALC. We now have predictable work for years to come.

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Progression wihtin the company for the right successful candidate.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BOURNEMOUTH AND POOLE COLLEGE, THE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000301039.

Apply now

Closes in 27 days (Wednesday 5 March)

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

Apply direct to RNLI. https://jobs.rnli.org/vacancy/apprenticeships-x6---all-weather-lifeboat-centre---temporary-up-to-4-years-578658.html You will also be required to apply direct to the Bournemouth and Poole College to attend an academic interview

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