The Royal Navy - Weapon Engineering - Maritime Mechanical & Electrical Mechanic Apprenticeship

Royal Navy

Hampshire (PO2 8BY)

Closes on Monday 1 June 2026

Posted on 4 June 2024


Summary

An Engineering Technician (Weapon Engineering) takes responsibility for the serviceability, readiness and accuracy of systems to make a Royal Navy Ship a Warship. You will be keeping advanced electronic systems, communications, information systems and weapons ready for action anywhere in the world.

Wage

£20,400 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

• House Purchase Scheme • Six weeks of paid holiday every year • Adventurous training • Free medical and dental care • Access to superb sports and fitness facilities • Subsidised travel and accommodation • Excellent pension scheme

Training course
Maritime mechanical and electrical mechanic (level 2)
Hours
Shifts to be confirmed, total hours per week: 40.00.

40 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 2 June 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

120

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • Take responsibility for the safety of your crewmates, whether that’s identifying a potential threat, or ensuring your ship is able to defend itself
  • Maintain, diagnose and repair complex communications, sensors and weapon systems, guaranteeing missiles, guns and anti-submarine torpedoes are fully operational
  • Work on some of the most sophisticated electronic equipment in existence, working with your team, and under the guidance of the Engineer Officer
  • Complete daily rounds, checking equipment to ensure the ship remains operational, and finding innovative solutions when there’s a problem

Where you'll work

Navy Command HQ
The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO2 8BY

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

ROYAL NAVY

Training course

Maritime mechanical and electrical mechanic (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Comply with quality, safety, health and environmental regulations.
  • Read, analyse and interpret engineering data, drawings and documentation used in the operation and maintenance procedures.
  • Use hand and power tools to measure, mark out, cut, drill, shape and finish components to the required engineering tolerances.
  • Assembly, removal, maintenance and overhaul components, equipment and systems.
  • Apply assembly and installation methods and techniques (such as mechanical fasteners, terminations, connectors, seals, gaskets, and jointing materials).
  • Undertake testing, inspection and diagnostic activities on components, equipment and systems, making adjustments where applicable
  • Comply with correct entry procedures and precautions for confined spaces.

Training schedule

Once you have completed your training you will be a qualified Weapon Engineering

You’ll start your naval career as an Able Rate, with your Maritime Mechanical & Electrical Mechanic apprenticeship under your belt, With experience and further training, you could be promoted to Leading Hand and beyond.

Training and development continue throughout your career with the Royal Navy. It takes place in two distinct environments: at onshore training facilities and on-board operational ships.

When you join you complete 10 weeks of basic naval training, followed by five months of specialist engineering training, focussing on: 

  • Weapon systems
  • Safety procedures
  • Electrical and electronic repair techniques
  • Hydraulics and pneumatics
  • Essential tools and techniques

You will also achieve the following qualifications during your apprenticeship.

  • Level 2 Diploma in Maritime mechanical and electrical mechanic(Competence)
  • Level 2 Diploma in Maritime mechanical and electrical mechanic (Knowledge)

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

Math and English (grade GCSE Level C/4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience

Other requirements

• No qualifications required – just that you pass a Recruit Test and are in a good state of health and fitness We recruit throughout the year, so please ignore Key Dates. To find out more information including eligibility to join, and to begin your application please call into one of our Careers offices or visit the Royal Navy Recruitment website.

About this employer

The Royal Navy (RN) is responsible for the protection of British interests at home and around the World. 95% of all world trade passes through the high seas and every year Britain imports £524 billion worth of goods. The RN takes an active part in the protection of British Shipping. Around the United Kingdom the RN protects vital fishing stocks by monitoring fishing activities in our waters. We recruit throughout the year, so please ignore Key Dates

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

  • If you show the right commitment, skills and academic ability, you could become a Commissioned Officer
  • Members of the Royal Navy are promoted on merit. Work hard and you can rise through the ranks

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ROYAL NAVY

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000255436.

Apply now

Closes on Monday 1 June 2026

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