Published on: 06 February 2023
Earn while you learn with a marine apprenticeship
This week is National Apprenticeship Week 2023 (06-12 February). To kick start the week we have a great article about marine apprenticeships and how you can earn while you learn.
In the past there has been a bit of a stigma attached to apprenticeships and they have often been looked down upon as only appealing to those who didn’t do well in mainstream education. That way of thinking is now very much a thing of the past as apprenticeships are recognised as highly credible qualifications by employers, seeking employees with hands on experience, not just with a theoretical understanding.
Apprenticeships offer a great way to learn and gain qualifications, while taking home a salary and gaining valuable occupational experience, whatever your age or stage of your career, and there are a whole host of opportunities available within the marine sector.
There are different types of apprenticeship schemes, known as Apprenticeship Standards. Within the marine sector these are developed by British Marine in partnership with marine employer groups and cover a wide range of occupations from boat builder to marine engineer, marine electrician to marina and boatyard operative. Starting at Level 2, equivalent to GCSEs they progress though to Level 7, which is equivalent to a master’s degree. Apprenticeships are funded by the government, making it very cost effective for employers, and last anything from one to five years depending on the apprenticeship that you are undertaking.
“There are some really interesting apprenticeships available within the marine sector”, explains Manjinder Mahey, Head of Training at British Marine. “At British Marine we look after the shore side apprenticeships, but there are a whole host of on the water apprenticeships also available, so no matter your passion there will be an apprenticeship to suit you.”
As an apprentice you will be assigned a coach/mentor who will guide you through the apprenticeship, and you’ll undertake time in the classroom alongside on the job learning, getting first-hand experience in your chosen field and without incurring lots of debt along the way!
Currently some 500 people are undertaking a marine apprenticeship in England and there are many apprentice alumni enjoying successful careers in their chosen field. “With lots of cross over and transferrable skills, anyone undertaking a marine apprenticeship can equip themselves for a successful career both within and outside the marine sector”, explains Manjinder.
Many apprentices in the marine sector are aged between 16-25 years old, but it doesn’t mean that apprenticeships are just for people in this age group. There are a growing number of more mature individuals signing up, using an apprenticeship to facilitate a career change or to upskill in their current role.
Take Ulrika Lawrence, Training Executive at British Marine. Ulrika is currently undertaking a Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship. “I decided to sign up for an apprenticeship as it allows me to gain real on the job experience, whilst gaining a higher-level qualification, all while getting paid to do it and not taking on any debt.
“I love it – I have learnt a lot and grown so much both professionally and personally. I would say to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship to just do it“, Ulrika commented.
While British Marine, Head of Finance, Earle Stanner is currently undertaking a Level 7 apprenticeship MBA in Senior Leadership at the University of Portsmouth. “For me, the MBA develops on my professional Accountancy qualification and is allowing me to explore an area of study that I find fascinating and will be very useful to me in the future.
“For those considering an apprenticeship, at any level, I would say that, given the current difficulty in finding skilled workers, the qualification that you earn, but more importantly the skills that you gain will assist you greatly as you progress in your career. An apprenticeship is not only about academic learning, but it facilitates you meeting new and interesting people and learning from their experiences. It takes effort and dedication but that is an investment in your future which is the best thing you can invest in”, commented Earle.
So, whether you’re preparing to leave school, want to change careers, or are looking to upskill then an apprenticeship might be just what you’re looking for!
For more information about marine apprenticeships visit:
