Engineering Technician Trades Apprenticeship in Plymouth

Programme title: Engineering Technician Trades Apprenticeship

Level: 3

Salary:

• Year 1: £16,513
• Year 2: £21,124
• Year 3: £27,400
• Year 4: £32,458
• Post apprenticeship: c.£35,000

Location: Devonport, Plymouth

Application closing date: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID: 67801

Ready to learn a skilled trade? On our 3.5-year Engineering Technician Trades Apprenticeship, you’ll develop specialist engineering trade skills and gain hands-on experience maintaining the Royal Navy's fleet.

About the programme

This is no ordinary apprenticeship. Our engineering technicians are at the forefront of maintaining the Royal Navy’s fleet. As an Engineering Technician, you’ll contribute to the design, manufacture, installation, operation or maintenance of systems on ships, submarines and infrastructure. This varied and exciting programme covers trades including Mechanical, Electrical, Fabrication, CNC Machining, Pipefitting and Welding. You’ll be assigned one of these trade routes to specialise in.

As part of the interview, you will be asked to select your first and second preferred trade choice and explain your reasons for choosing it. This helps us understand your interests, motivations, and how your strengths align with the role.

Mechanical Fitting

You’ll be trained to use a variety of hand and machine tools whilst learning how to identify faults and return equipment to working condition. You’ll be involved in the installation, commissioning, maintenance and repair of a wide range of equipment including engines, pumps, valves and hydraulic equipment.

Electrical Fitting

You’ll learn how to use electrical engineering drawings and specifications to strip, rebuild, test and maintain a wide range of electrical equipment and machinery. You’ll gain knowledge and practical skills that will enable you to install, connect and assist in the commission of complex electrical circuits.

Fabricating

You will manufacture a wide range of components and construct minor and major ship structures using a range of metals.

Welding

You’ll be trained in various welding processes, progressing to Class 1 certification, which qualifies you to work on structural components of submarines and warships.

CNC Machining

You will learn the various processes involved in producing precision components, from raw material state through to testing the integrity of the finished item.

Pipefitting

You’ll be involved in the manufacture and installation of low and high pressure pipe systems.

Wherever you find yourself, you'll gain knowledge and skills in:

• Health and safety
• Planning and documentation
• Engineering mathematical and scientific principles
• Methods and techniques
• Structure, properties and characteristics of materials
• Diagnostic methods to overcome problems
• Interpreting engineering drawings and data
• Adhering to and refining processes and procedures

Your education/training

This 3.5-year programme combines classroom learning with hands-on, on-the-job training. You’ll study core engineering principles while developing specialist skills in one of the following areas: mechanical, electrical, fabrication, CNC machining, welding, or pipefitting.

In your first year, you’ll be based full-time at City College Plymouth, where you’ll learn the fundamentals of engineering. In years 2 and 3, you’ll attend college one day a week and spend the remaining four days working in the dockyard at HM Naval Base Devonport.

The programme concludes with the End Point Assessment. Successfully passing this assessment earns you a nationally recognised Level 3 apprenticeship certificate in your chosen trade.

Future prospects

Upon successfully completing the programme, you’ll become a qualified Engineering Technician, specialising in your chosen field. You’ll be expected to stay within this role for three years to help you gain further experience.

What you’ll need

• A minimum of 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above, including English, Maths and a Science or Technology based subject.
• Logical thinking and problem-solving aptitude.
• Responsible approach to safety and quality assurance.

What you’ll get

We will provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career. In addition, you’ll benefit from:

• Fully funded qualification
• Personal development training and opportunities
• Minimum 28 days holiday allowance including bank holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Employee share scheme
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme and employee shopping savings portal

Your career development

It’s hard to beat the variety of fantastic opportunities and business experiences you’ll receive.

Application process and closing dates

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest.