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- Tasks: Support vessel testing and maintenance while gaining hands-on maritime experience.
- Company: Join Thales, a leader in defence and technology innovation.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with covered tuition fees and competitive salary.
- Why this job: Kickstart your maritime career with recognised qualifications and real-world impact.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including English and Maths required.
- Other info: Enjoy 201 hours of annual leave and opportunities for volunteering.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1000 £ per month.
Join to apply for the 2026 Vessel Master Apprentice – Level 3 Boatmaster role at Thales.
Location: Turnchapel, United Kingdom
Thales people provide armed forces customers with operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defence mission systems solutions at land, sea, and air. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space.
Start Date: 07 September 2026
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Employee Type: Permanent
Working Schedule: 37 hours a week, Monday – Thursday 8 hours a day, Friday 5 hours (0800 to 1700 with 1 hr for lunch)
What the role has to offer:
- Earn while you learn
- Job specific training experience
- Recognised qualifications
- Permanent role from day one
- Tuition fees for university or approved training providers are fully covered
Responsibilities:
- Support both harbour and sea integration testing on Thales UK vessels, assisting with setup, monitoring, and test activities
- Assist the engineering team with basic vessel maintenance tasks such as equipment checks, repairs, and routine upkeep
- Provide support during ad-hoc water-based trials conducted out of Turnchapel, including vessel preparation and data collection
- Gain a working knowledge of maritime autonomous systems used at Turnchapel through hands-on experience and training
Apprentice Programme:
You will be working towards the Boatmaster Level 3 Apprenticeship over a 2 year period with our training partner SeaRegs. The training will take place in one and two-week blocks over the programme duration. The rest of the time you will be working in the business, applying your learning and gaining experience. To operate lawfully all apprentices will be required to obtain a Boatmaster licence from the Maritime Coastguard Agency – the apprenticeship will help to prepare you to obtain this. Apprentices will also gain a commercial skippers licence for vessels up to 20 miles out to sea. Training will lead to a practical and theory-based End Point Assessment, in which apprentices will gain the SQA qualification and will be put forward to sit the MCA Boatmaster Tier 1 Level 2 qualification.
Requirements:
- 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A-C) including English and Maths
Benefits:
- 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
- Company Pension
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Life Insurance
- Discount Portal
- Performance-related pay uplifts
- 80 Hours Volunteering (first two years)
Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February – May 2026. Induction week for all Graduates and Apprentices will take place from Monday 7 September – Friday 11 September 2026.
Closing date: 11.59pm on Thursday 12 February 2026
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
2026 Vessel Master Apprentice – Level 3 Boatmaster employer: Thales
Contact Detail:
Thales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Vessel Master Apprentice – Level 3 Boatmaster
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Thales and their projects, especially in maritime systems. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider tips or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the assessment centre! Brush up on your teamwork and problem-solving skills, as you'll likely be put through scenarios that mimic real-life challenges. Practising with friends can help you feel more confident.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Thales team.
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Vessel Master Apprentice – Level 3 Boatmaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the maritime industry shine through. We want to see why you're excited about becoming a Vessel Master Apprentice and how you can contribute to our mission at Thales.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the responsibilities of the Vessel Master Apprentice position. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we do.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when candidates communicate effectively, as it reflects the clarity we value in our work at Thales.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the details you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Vessel Master Apprentice and the responsibilities that come with it. Familiarise yourself with Thales' operations, especially in maritime systems. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Your Passion for Learning
Since this is an apprenticeship, emphasise your eagerness to learn and grow. Be ready to discuss how you plan to make the most of the training opportunities provided, like gaining hands-on experience with vessel maintenance and maritime autonomous systems.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some practical questions or scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific tasks related to vessel maintenance or support during water-based trials. Demonstrating your problem-solving skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the training process, the team you'll be working with, or the types of vessels you'll be involved with. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
