Marine Engineer Apprentice

STARBOARD ENGINEERING LTD

PENNINGTON (SO41 8JD)

Closes in 14 days (Friday 24 July 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 10 July 2026


Summary

Starboard Engineering are recruiting an Apprentice Marine Engineer to join the team in Lymington.

We support a range of commercial and private vessels with maintenance, repair, overhaul and fault diagnosis of marine diesel engines.

This role is workshop-based, however, the successful candidate will work away on occasion.

Wage

£19,500 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Paid overtime 

Training course
Marine engineer (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8.00am - 4.30pm and Friday: 8.00am - 1.00pm. Paid overtime is available when additional hours are required to support vessel repairs, maintenance projects, sea trials, breakdown response work and work-away assignments.

37 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

3 years 6 months

Positions available

1

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

  • To learn the skills required to inspect, service, repair and overhaul marine diesel engines and associated equipment while working towards a recognised engineering qualification
  • Assist engineers with the maintenance, servicing and repair of marine diesel engines and associated equipment
  • Learn how to safely use workshop tools, equipment and machinery
  • Assist with electrical fault finding on marine engines, control systems and vessel electrical systems under supervision
  • Learn to use diagnostic equipment, multimeters and manufacturer-specific diagnostic software
  • Help diagnose faults on starting, charging, monitoring, alarm and engine management systems
  • Assist with the inspection, repair and replacement of wiring, sensors, switches and electrical components
  • Help with engine stripping, cleaning, inspection and reassembly
  • Assist in fault finding and diagnosis of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems
  • Carry out basic servicing tasks including oil changes, filter replacement, lubrication and routine inspections
  • Assist with engine testing, commissioning and performance checks following repairs
  • Read and interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams and engineering drawings
  • Record work completed on job sheets, inspection reports and service documentation
  • Assist with stock control, parts identification and workshop housekeeping
  • Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment
  • Follow all company health, safety and environmental procedures at all times
  • Work towards achieving the requirements of the apprenticeship programme and attend college as required

Where you'll work

UNIT 8
GORDLETON INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
HANNAH WAY
PENNINGTON
SO41 8JD

Training

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

Training provider

SOUTH HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE GROUP

Training course

Marine engineer (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Prepare for meetings and discussions
  • Communicate marine engineering principles, concepts and processes relevant to the customer using appropriate listening, questioning, non-verbal communication, recording and presentation techniques
  • Use appropriate marine and engineering terminology
  • Make recommendations to ensure optimal performance of boats
  • Comply with quality, health and safety and environmental regulations
  • Prepare the work area in order to conduct marine engineering activities
  • Select, use, maintain and store equipment and tools spanners, socket sets, screwdrivers, power tools
  • Follow and maintain work procedures, method statements and production records
  • Work efficiently and effectively
  • Consider sustainability and environmental impacts when making, safety, quality and cost decisions
  • Use mathematical techniques, formulae, and calculations in marine engineering processes
  • Design layout of marine system or component
  • Interpret designer’s plans and engineering data, drawings and documentation
  • Finalise time and cost of the work to be done
  • Select/ maintain/ store appropriate equipment and materials
  • Select/make/use appropriate engineering jigs, templates and tooling
  • Select and use calibrated and measuring engineering tools
  • Select, source and use a variety of precision data charts and reference tables
  • Practical and safe use of tools, materials and equipment
  • Safe uses of jigs, templates and tooling
  • Measure and mark out to carry out precision machining and hand fitting processes
  • Use hand tools to cut, drill, shape and finish components to tolerances
  • Move components using appropriate safe methods and equipment
  • Assemble, remove, overhaul and refit marine engineering components, sub-assemblies and systems using appropriate machinery, equipment, tools and materials
  • Check/inspect components for robustness, fit and tolerances
  • Shape, fabricate, manipulate and precision alignment of marine engineering components and materials to accepted tolerances
  • Conduct/undertake planned or routine maintenance to required specification
  • Check/test/diagnose marine engineering components to company and manufacturing standards
  • Complete required organisational and manufacturer’s documentation
  • Apply safety and social responsibility practices when working at sea
  • Check installation meets required operational standards and is free from defects
  • Commission and test systems
  • Complete necessary documentation and company protocols
  • Undertake basic crew roles

Training schedule

Training will take place at Southampton College on a day release model.

Your progress will be continuously monitored and supported by a Professional Trainer. 

We assess your competence through various methods, such as practical exams, assignments, interviews, project work, presentations or observations and we will also evaluate your portfolio of evidence, which documents your learning and progress throughout your apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship end-point assessment is the final evaluation stage of your apprenticeship programme. It's designed to determine whether you have achieved the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to meet the apprenticeship standard and perform the job role independently. 

Successful completion of the end-point assessment is required to receive certification. 

More training information

Southampton College has been providing career‑focused education and training for over 70 years. We specialise in technical and professional courses that best prepare you for your future, whether you want to go to university, gain an apprenticeship or progress straight into full‑time work.

Brand new Centres of Excellence are being developed at the College, creating state-of-the-art facilities with cutting-edge resources that are unrivalled in the region. These exceptional learning environments, such as our Marine Centre of Excellence, alongside industry expert lecturers will significantly enhance your learning and future progression and career opportunities. 

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4/C)
  • Maths (grade 4/C)

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

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Interest in Marine industry

About this employer

Founded in 2021, Starboard Engineering set out with a mission to provide honest, professional service to the marine industry. 

Through working in the industry for over a decade we realised the importance of engineers being ready and available, whatever the hour. 

We have been working hard to establish ourselves within the marine workboat industry working around the clock to offer technical support and services. 

Inside our fully equipped workshop in Lymington New Forest, we are capable of carrying out component overhauls and full engine rebuilds.

https://www.starboardengineering.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

To continue developing your skill set and become a permanent employee at the company.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SOUTH HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE GROUP

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000041828.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Friday 24 July 2026 at 11:59pm)