Marine electrician
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 3.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A marine electrician installs, commissions, maintains, and repairs electrical systems aboard commercial vessels, offshore structures, and leisure craft. At level 3, apprentices develop specialised knowledge of marine electrical regulations alongside practical wiring, fault-finding, and instrumentation skills. The role leads to senior marine electrician, chief electrician, or marine electrical engineer positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Marine electrical regulations including classification society rules and MCA requirements
AC and DC electrical theory and its application in marine environments
Marine wiring techniques including cable selection, routing, and termination
Marine instrumentation, navigation electronics, and automation systems
Safe isolation procedures and electrical safety in a marine environment
Battery systems, charging regimes, and emergency power arrangements
How to read marine electrical drawings and wiring schematics
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Install and terminate cables for power, lighting, and navigation systems aboard vessels
Commission new or upgraded electrical systems and carry out acceptance testing
Diagnose and repair faults on marine electrical and electronic equipment
Maintain switchboards, distribution panels, and shore power connections
Carry out periodic inspection and testing in line with classification requirements
Maintain accurate records of all electrical work and test results
Work safely in confined spaces and at height in a marine environment
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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