Harbour Team Apprentice

Chichester Harbour Conservancy is looking for an enthusiastic and committed

Harbour Team Apprentice to join our friendly and professional Harbour Team based at Itchenor.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in one of the country’s most beautiful and internationally important harbours while gaining nationally recognised qualifications and practical experience.

Working as part of a small team, you will help ensure the safety of harbour users and assist with the maintenance and upkeep of moorings, navigation aids, vessels and harbour infrastructure.

As a

Small Commercial Vessel Crewmember Level 3 Apprentice , you will receive comprehensive on-the-job training and develop the practical skills needed for a rewarding marine career.

What your Apprenticeship will include

During your 24-month apprenticeship you will gain skills and experience across all Harbour Team activities, including:

• Navigation and vessel handling skills to enable you to competently skipper Conservancy vessels.
• Towing operations and working as a barge crew member for the laying and servicing of moorings.
• Cargo handling, including slinging loads, crane operations and securing cargo onboard a workboat.
• Harbour patrol and enforcement duties.
• Monitoring VHF radio, responding to calls for help and assisting vessels and members of the public.
• Assisting with the maintenance, repair and improvement of Conservancy vessels, moorings and harbour infrastructure.
• Working with harbour patrol vessels, dories, RIBs and specialist mooring maintenance craft.
• Supporting the maintenance of approximately 1,000 moorings and navigation aids throughout Chichester Harbour.

The role involves working outdoors in all weather conditions and includes physical activities such as manual handling, climbing ladders and working on and around the water.

Training and Qualifications

As part of the apprenticeship, you will undertake the Level 3 Small Commercial Vessel Crewmember Apprenticeship and receive a range of professional Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Royal Yachting Association (RYA) qualifications.

Most of your learning will take place in the workplace, allowing you to gain practical experience whilst developing specialist maritime skills

We are seeking someone who

• Has a genuine interest in the marine environment and working on the water.
• Is enthusiastic, reliable and willing to learn.
• Enjoys working as part of a team.
• Can communicate confidently with colleagues, harbour users and members of the public.
• Is capable of undertaking practical outdoor work.
• All applicants must have the ability to pass an ENG1 seafarers medical.

Qualifications required: English and Maths to GCSE (or equivalent) grade C or 4. If not, Marine Society will assist you in gaining these qualifications during the apprenticeship.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to start a career in the maritime sector.
• A structured two-year apprenticeship programme.
• Professional MCA and RYA qualifications.
• Hands‑on experience across all aspects of harbour operations.
• 23 days annual leave, plus statutory bank holidays.
• The opportunity to work in a nationally important harbour environment.
• Potential long‑term employment opportunities with Chichester Harbour Conservancy for the right candidate.

37 hours per week, including some weekend and bank holiday working during the summer season (Easter to the end of October).

Start Date: September 2026 Duration: 24 months Training Standard: Small Commercial Vessel Crewmember Level 3

Training schedule

The apprenticeship will involve periods of block release to a college based on the Isle of Wight for MCA and RYA training courses.

Travel and accommodation will be provided for these courses.

Please note: Due to the enforcement aspects of the role, applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

Because of the nature of the work, this post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and Associated Order.

Applications of this post are not, therefore, entitled to withhold details of any criminal conviction which, for other purposes, might be considered spent.

This role will have unusual working patterns, late nights, early mornings and weekends.

Due to location and working times, your own transport is required, and the business is situated on a cycle route.

If you are looking for an exciting, practical apprenticeship that will equip you with valuable maritime skills and qualifications while working in a stunning harbour environment, we would love to hear from you.

For enquires please contact Jo Cox, Harbour Master, Chichester harbour Conservancy at recruitment@conservancy. co. uk or 01243 512301.

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