Marine Engineer 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

Marine engineer (level 3)

Hours

Full Time - details at interview

40 hours a week

Possible start date

Friday 1 August

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

Marine engineer (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Prepare for meetings and discussions
Communicate marine engineering principles, concepts and processes relevant to the customer using appropriate listening, questioning, non-verbal communication, recording and presentation techniques
Use appropriate marine and engineering terminology
Make recommendations to ensure optimal performance of boats
Comply with quality, health and safety and environmental regulations
Prepare the work area in order to conduct marine engineering activities
Select, use, maintain and store equipment and tools spanners, socket sets, screwdrivers, power tools
Follow and maintain work procedures, method statements and production records
Work efficiently and effectively
Consider sustainability and environmental impacts when making, safety, quality and cost decisions
Use mathematical techniques, formulae, and calculations in marine engineering processes
Design layout of marine system or component
Interpret designer’s plans and engineering data, drawings and documentation
Finalise time and cost of the work to be done
Select/ maintain/ store appropriate equipment and materials
Select/make/use appropriate engineering jigs, templates and tooling
Select and use calibrated and measuring engineering tools
Select, source and use a variety of precision data charts and reference tables
Practical and safe use of tools, materials and equipment
Safe uses of jigs, templates and tooling
Measure and mark out to carry out precision machining and hand fitting processes
Use hand tools to cut, drill, shape and finish components to tolerances
Move components using appropriate safe methods and equipment
Assemble, remove, overhaul and refit marine engineering components, sub-assemblies and systems using appropriate machinery, equipment, tools and materials
Check/inspect components for robustness, fit and tolerances
Shape, fabricate, manipulate and precision alignment of marine engineering components and materials to accepted tolerances
Conduct/undertake planned or routine maintenance to required specification
Check/test/diagnose marine engineering components to company and manufacturing standards
Complete required organisational and manufacturer’s documentation
Apply safety and social responsibility practices when working at sea
Check installation meets required operational standards and is free from defects
Commission and test systems
Complete necessary documentation and company protocols
Undertake basic crew roles

Your training plan

Level 3 Marine Engineering Apprenticeship Standard https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/marine-engineer-v1-1

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

5 GCSEs including English and Maths (grade 4 or more)

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 VAC1000301043.

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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