Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprentice

Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprenticeship

Location: BUTEC Kyle of Lochalsh, IV40 8AJ
Salary: £25,728.45 plus excellent benefits

Apprenticeship Qualification: L4 Small Vessel Chief Engineer 

Training: Attend study blocks (typically 2–6 weeks) at Fleetwood Nautical Campus of Blackpool and The Fylde College

Expected Duration: Up to 60 months
Schedule: 48 hours per week, Monday – Friday

Start Date: October 2026

Ready to impact a better future?

As a Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprenticeship in our Maritime team, you’ll gain hands-on experience while working towards a recognised engineering qualification, contributing to vital maritime operations that support national infrastructure and defence.

This is a unique opportunity to build a long-term career at sea, developing practical engineering skills while supporting the operation and maintenance of specialist vessels. Your work will play a key role in ensuring safe and effective maritime services that have a positive impact on communities and national operations.

What you’ll do as a Small Vessel Chief Engineer Apprenticeship

You’ll be entrusted to:

• Undertake training and sea service to achieve a Small Vessel Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency


• Support vessel crews in port operations and during sea passages, including watchkeeping duties day and night


• Assist with planned and unplanned maintenance on mechanical and electrical systems, including work during dry dockings and refits


• Complete academic study at Fleetwood Nautical Campus alongside practical on-the-job training


• Support inspections and surveys, building knowledge of maritime regulations and compliance requirements


• Develop the skills to respond to onboard emergency situations including fire and sea survival scenarios

Does this sound like you?

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

• Are 18+ years old

• Have minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent), including Mathematics, English and Science


• Have Clearance and meet UK citizenship requirements


• Eligibility to gain an ENG1 Unrestricted Medical Certificate, including eyesight standards


• Have a genuine interest in maritime engineering and a commitment to learning and development


• Have a willingness to travel and spend periods away from home for training and sea service

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: 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, 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.

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A little bit about us:
At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.

Our inclusive recruitment commitment:
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.

• 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).

For support with your application, please contact [email protected].

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