AB Tug Apprentice

AB Tug Apprentice

Location: Clyde, Faslane, Argyllshire,G84 8HL
Salary: Competitive salary plus excellent benefits
Schedule: 16 - 24 Months FTC /FT/48 hours

Apprenticeship Qualification:  Able Seafarer - Tug (SCQF Level 5)

Ready to impact a better future?

As an AB Tug Apprentice in our Defence Marine Services team, you’ll build practical maritime skills while supporting safe and effective vessel operations in a safety-critical environment. You’ll be learning on the job while contributing to real operations that support national defence and maritime capability.

This apprenticeship combines hands-on sea experience with structured learning, giving you the opportunity to develop into a qualified Able Seafarer. Working alongside a professional crew, you’ll play a part in operations that have a real impact on communities and national infrastructure, while building a career with purpose and long-term growth.

What you’ll do as an AB Tug Apprentice

You’ll be entrusted to:

• Learn and develop seamanship skills as part of the deck team, supporting safe vessel operations under supervision


• Assist with lookout and basic watchkeeping duties, gaining experience in both routine and priority operations


• Support mooring, towing and deck activities while building confidence in critical maritime tasks


• Carry out routine maintenance and housekeeping to maintain high standards of vessel readiness


• Operate deck equipment such as winches and lifting gear safely and in line with procedures


• Complete all elements of the apprenticeship programme, including sea phases, college learning and training record book

Does this sound like you?

You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have:

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English at grade C/4 or above


• A valid UK passport and the ability to obtain an ENG1 unrestricted medical certificate


• The ability to work as part of a team in a disciplined, safety-focused environment


• A proactive attitude with a willingness to learn, grow and adapt


• The ability to commute to one of the base locations and be at least 17 years old

Discover all you need to keep growing

We’re one of the top 1% of international employers, so you can have confidence you’ll be part of a highly supportive culture with leaders you can count on to help you achieve your goals. From mentoring and training to our focus on internal progression, we’re proud to offer clear development opportunities – and the support and tools to help you seize them.

What we offer

• Holidays: Competitive Holiday package


• 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.

Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.

To discover more about our careers in Defence, meet our team, and to find out more about what we offer, please follow this Link. 

Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles and when that happens, we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment. 

At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. As a proud Disability Confident Leader and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard, disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. 

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