At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn seamanship skills and support safe vessel operations in a dynamic maritime environment.
- Company: Join a leading marine services team at HMNB Devonport.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong support for personal development and community engagement.
- Why this job: Kickstart your maritime career while making a positive impact on vital services.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, with 4 GCSEs including English and Maths at grade C or above.
The predicted salary is between 25729 - 25729 £ per year.
Location: HMNB Devonport, Plymouth, PL2 2BG
Salary: £25,729.45 plus excellent benefits
Apprenticeship Qualification: Seafarer (Deck Rating) Level 2
Training: Attend North Kent College - Schedule to be confirmed
Expected Duration: 24 Months
Schedule: Full-Time/48 hours - including Sea phases and college-based learning
Start Date: 14th September 2026
As an Able Seafarer Tug Deck Apprentice in our Marine Services team, you’ll build practical seamanship skills while contributing to safe, professional vessel operations in a safety‑critical maritime environment. You’ll learn on the job, supported by experienced crew, while working towards a recognised maritime qualification. This role offers a unique opportunity to start your maritime career while making a positive impact. You’ll play a hands‑on role in supporting operations that keep vital services running, developing skills that contribute to safety, efficiency, and operational excellence across the fleet. Your work will have purpose, helping deliver trusted services that support communities and national infrastructure.
What you’ll do as an Able Seafarer Tug Deck Apprentice
- Learn and develop core seamanship skills as part of a professional deck team, supporting safe vessel operations
- Assist with lookout and basic watchkeeping duties under supervision in both routine and high-priority environments
- Support mooring, towing, and deck operations while building confidence in key maritime activities
- Carry out routine maintenance and housekeeping tasks to maintain vessel readiness and high standards
- Learn to safely operate deck equipment, including winches and lifting gear, in line with procedures
- Apply safety, security, and environmental practices within a highly regulated maritime environment
Does this sound like you?
- 18+ years
- Have 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths at grade C or above
- The ability to obtain Security Clearance and meet UK citizenship requirements
- Eligibility to gain an ENG1 Unrestricted Medical Certificate, including eyesight standards
- The ability to work collaboratively as part of a close-knit team
- Resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to developing new skills
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
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.
Our Inclusive Recruitment Commitment
- 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).
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Seafarer Deck Rating (Tug) Apprentice in Plymouth
✨Get Involved in Local Transport Initiatives
Join local transport and logistics meetups or community groups. These gatherings can be goldmines for meeting professionals in the field and discovering apprenticeship openings, often before they're advertised.
✨Leverage Your College Links
If you're at college, get in touch with your career services. They often have partnerships with companies in the transportation and logistics sector that are looking for enthusiastic apprentices, so don't be shy about tapping into those connections.
✨Showcase Your Passion for the Industry
Create a small portfolio or blog that reflects your interest in logistics. Share insights or analysis about trends in transportation. This shows potential employers, like Serco, that you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Direct Hits
When you find an apprenticeship with Serco, make sure you apply through our website. It's often the quickest way to get noticed by hiring managers, plus you’ll gain a bit of an edge over candidates who apply through other channels.
We think you need these skills to ace Seafarer Deck Rating (Tug) Apprentice in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Navigating the Basics:Make sure your CV outlines any relevant experience in transportation or logistics, even if it's just from school projects or part-time jobs. It’s all about showing your enthusiasm for the field and any skills like organisation and time management that you've gained along the way.
Show off Your Skills:In your cover letter, mention specific skills that are important in transportation and logistics, such as problem-solving or communication. Share examples of how you've used these skills effectively in past experiences; it could be from group work, projects, or even helping out with family businesses.
Your Journey to Us:Don’t shy away from sharing your motivation for wanting to do an apprenticeship in the transportation-logistics sector. Employers love to see a genuine interest in learning the ropes and contributing to their team at Serco. What do you hope to gain from this apprenticeship?
Keep it Relevant:Remember to tailor your application to Serco. If there are specific projects or innovations they’re known for in the transportation-logistics space, mention them. This shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know Your Logistics Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with transportation and logistics concepts, like supply chain management and inventory control. It might be helpful for us to brush up on common terminology and key players in the industry, which could pop up during your interview at Serco.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In logistics, interviewers often like to present you with hypothetical scenarios, like dealing with delivery delays or managing unexpected changes in shipments. Try and think of examples from your past experiences or even use case studies to illustrate how you’d handle these situations effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As this is an apprenticeship, showing off your eagerness to learn is super important! We want to showcase that we are not just here for the job but that we are invested in growing our skills and knowledge within the logistics sector at Serco.
✨Show Off Those Soft Skills
In transportation-logistics, communication is key! Be prepared to discuss how you can effectively collaborate with team members and manage relationships with clients and suppliers. It's all about teamwork and adaptability, so let’s make sure we convey that enthusiasm during the interview.
