At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn marine engineering while working on powerful vessels and solving real-world problems.
- Company: Join Svitzer, the world's leading towage company with a strong team culture.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with fully funded qualifications and expert mentoring.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with long-term career opportunities and a supportive learning environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your marine engineering career with hands-on experience and industry-recognised qualifications.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths or Physics at Grade 6 and English at Grade 5; no maritime experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 15750 - 19250 £ per year.
Engineering Apprenticeship – Build Your Future at Sea
Get paid to qualify. Learn from the best. Launch an exciting marine engineering career.
Are you finishing school, college or looking for a career with real purpose?
Do you enjoy engineering, solving problems, and want a career that's anything but ordinary?
Join Svitzer, the world's leading towage company, and become part of a team that keeps global trade moving.
This isn't just another apprenticeship.
It's the start of a career where every day is different, you'll work on powerful vessels, develop specialist engineering skills and earn recognised qualifications while getting paid.
Why Svitzer?
Our tugboats may be small, but they're among the most powerful (for their size!) and technically advanced vessels on the water.
Operating in major ports across the UK and around the world, our engineers work with sophisticated propulsion systems, high-performance machinery and innovative marine technology to safely move some of the world's largest ships.
With over 4,000 employees and a fleet of 450+ vessels worldwide, Svitzer offers career opportunities that few companies can match.
- What You'll Get
- Fully funded Level 4 Chief Engineer (Small Vessel) qualification - full course description Small vessel chief engineer / Skills England
- Earn while you learn
- Hands-on experience alongside experienced marine engineers
- Work with an industry-leading company
- Industry Recognised Qualifications
- Career opportunities across the UK
- A structured pathway to becoming a qualified Chief Engineer (Small Vessel)
- Your Career Journey
This apprenticeship is designed to develop the next generation of marine engineers.
Over approximately five years, you'll gain the knowledge, practical skills and sea-going experience needed to achieve:
- Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW) Small Vessel Certificate of Competency, followed by;
- Chief Engineer (Small Vessel) Certificate of Competency
Throughout your apprenticeship you'll combine classroom learning at Fleetwood Nautical College with real-world experience onboard our vessels.
You'll be supported every step of the way.
- We're Looking For People Who Are
- Curious and eager to learn
- Passionate about engineering and technology
- Reliable and hardworking
- Safety focused
- Ready for a challenge
- Comfortable working as part of a close-knit team
No maritime experience is needed—just the right attitude.
- Entry Requirements
- GCSE (or equivalent) Maths or Physics at Grade 6 (B) or above
- GCSE English at Grade 5 (C) or above
- Full UK driving licence
- UK Resident and Right to work in the UK
- Live within one hour of one of our UK port operations (Southampton, Felixstowe, Gravesend)
- Flexibility to train in any of our UK port operations as required
- Be willing to work a 2-weeks-on, 1-week-off rotation, including time away from home
- Be able to commit to the full academic content of the programme including periods of study at Fleetwood Nautical College
- Be aged 18 or over when the programme starts
- Successfully pass an ENG1 Seafarer Medical (upon receiving an offer to the apprenticeship program)
- Ready to start mid-October - Exact date TBC
- Salary & Benefits
- Paid apprenticeship from day one
- Fully funded qualifications - no college fees! (Travel & Accommodation provided)
- Year 1 hourly pay at the National Apprentice Wage
- From Year 2 your hourly rate will move onto the National Living Wage for your age bracket until you receive your first Certificate of Competency
- Expert mentoring and coaching
- Long-term career opportunities with an industry leader
- Building a Diverse Workplace
In Svitzer we value the diversity of our talent and will always strive to recruit the best person for the job – we value diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to gender, age, nationality, race, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs.
We are proud of our diversity and see it as a genuine source of strength for building high performing teams.
Don’t meet every single requirement?
Studies have shown that members from some under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t meet every single qualification.
At Svitzer we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.
You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles, and we are excited about hearing from you!
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Apprentice Marine Engineer in Felixstowe employer: Svitzer
Svitzer is an exceptional employer that prioritises operational excellence and commercial growth while fostering a diverse and high-performance culture. Located in the UK, employees benefit from a comprehensive package that includes pension and health plans, alongside ample opportunities for professional development and strategic leadership within a safety-critical environment. Joining Svitzer means being part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to sustainable growth and strong internal relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Marine Engineer in Felixstowe
✨Get Hands-On at Local Workshops
Don’t miss out on local engineering workshops and hackathons! They’re a brilliant way to learn something new, meet fellow aspiring engineers, and often, company reps will be scouting for fresh talent. Plus, you can mention your hands-on experiences at these events during your interviews!
✨Join Engineering Societies and Clubs
Get involved with engineering societies at your school or in your area. These communities often host talks, networking events, and even competitions, which can open doors to apprenticeship opportunities. Plus, chatting with industry professionals is never a bad idea!
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Consider starting a blog or a social media account where you can share your engineering projects, ideas, and learnings. This not only demonstrates your passion but also your initiative. Share the link on your application to really showcase who you are!
✨Don’t Wait, Apply Early!
Apprenticeships often have early application windows, so keep an eye on Svitzer’s website and get your applications in as soon as you can. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to secure an interview and land that coveted position!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Marine Engineer in Felixstowe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an engineering apprenticeship at Svitzer, make sure to highlight any relevant technical skills and subjects you've excelled in. Include specific projects or coursework that demonstrate your understanding of engineering principles—anything from physics projects to CAD designs can really make your application stand out!
Include Your Learning Experience:Since this is an apprenticeship, we want to see how keen you are to learn. In your cover letter, talk about what you hope to gain from this opportunity at Svitzer and how it aligns with your career goals. Don’t be shy—express your enthusiasm for getting hands-on experience!
Tailor Your CV for Engineering:Make sure your CV reflects your passion for engineering. List relevant coursework, skills, and any hands-on experiences like workshops or engineering clubs. Feel free to use a clear and structured layout so it's easy for the hiring team at Svitzer to see your qualifications at a glance.
Keep it Visual—If Possible!:If you've worked on any engineering projects, consider including visual elements in your application—like pictures, graphs or even a small portfolio link. This isn’t mandatory, but visuals can help us appreciate your work and problem-solving skills more effectively!
How to prepare for a job interview at Svitzer
✨Showcase Your Passion for Engineering
Since you're applying for an apprenticeship, it’s crucial to demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for engineering. Be ready to talk about any projects you've done, be it in school or in your spare time, as this shows your commitment and eagerness to learn on the job at Svitzer.
✨Get Hands-On with Technical Questions
Expect some technical queries related to basic engineering principles. Brush up on subjects you’ve covered in your studies, such as materials science or thermodynamics. They might throw a scenario your way to gauge how you would approach solving a problem—don't be afraid to think aloud!
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
Apprenticeships often require working in teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in school or during any group projects. Share specific examples that reflect your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively, as this is highly valued in engineering roles at Svitzer.
✨Ask About Learning Opportunities
Make sure to prepare some questions about the apprenticeship itself, like how training will be structured or the types of projects you'll tackle. Showing curiosity about your growth will impress the interviewers at Svitzer, demonstrating that you're ready to dive into the learning experience.
