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Marine engineering technician

Alternative titles for this job include Shipbuilding technician

Marine engineering technicians build, service and repair boats, ships and submarines.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£43,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

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

College

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.

More Information

Apprenticeship

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
  • 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

Work

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

More Information

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • knowledge of physics
  • the ability to work well with others
  • design skills and knowledge
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll usually need a knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD).

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a supervisor or project manager. You could also qualify as a marine engineer after further training.

As your career goes on you may wish to specialise in a particular area, such as:

  • boat refurbishment and conversions
  • underwater work on rigs and pipelines
  • maritime equipment and boat sales
  • marine salvage and insurance

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

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

  • Wage: £20,400 a year Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire

The Royal Navy - Comms Specialist (Submariner)-Maritime Mechanical & Electrical Mechanic Apprentice

  • Wage: £20,400 a year Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Marine Engineering

  • Provider: SOUTH HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 09 September 2025
  • Location: Southampton

Marine Engineering (Marine School)

  • Provider: TYNE COAST COLLEGE
  • Start date: 05 January 2026
  • Location: South Shields
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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