Marine engineering technician

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• marine engineering
• marine technology
• electrical engineering
• mechanical engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree

• between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could take a college course to get some of the skills and knowledge you'll need to get a trainee technician job.

Courses include:

• marine engineering
• mechanical or electrical engineering
• fabrication and welding engineering technology
• T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply to do a Maritime Mechanical and Electrical Mechanic Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, with an engineering company.

You could also apply for a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, for example:

• Maritime Mechanical Fitter
• Maritime Electrical Fitter
• Maritime Pipeworker
• Metal Fabricator
• Marine Engineer

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could train to become a marine engineering technician with the Merchant Navy or Royal Navy .

Career Tips

You may be able to apply for courses, training or jobs, if you have experience and qualifications in science or engineering from other industries.

Further Information

You can find more advice about careers in marine engineering from the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and British Marine .

As a marine engineering technician, you could:

• install and fit out sea-going craft, like boats, yachts and ships
• service and repair electrical and mechanical systems and machinery
• inspect and test instruments and safety equipment
• use remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) for undersea work on pipelines and cables
• maintain weapons systems, radar and sonar on board Royal Navy warships and submarines

You could work in an office, at a shipyard, on a ship or underwater.

Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.