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Careers / Joining options
Apprenticeships
Careers / Joining options

Apprenticeships

The beginning of an adventure that will take you all around the world. Our world-class training means you’ll have all the skills you need to succeed.

Interested in starting a Royal Navy apprenticeship?

Find a role
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Earn while you learn

A pay and benefits package with real earning potential from day one. All while you gain the transferable skills and qualifications to help you find success. You‘ll make an immediate impact, receive competitive compensation, and gain valuable transferable skills for a successful civilian care.
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Gain an outstanding qualification

With one of the highest completion rates in the UK, the Royal Navy is rated as a ‘Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer’ and judged by Ofsted to be ‘Outstanding’. You’ll get the travel and adventure of a gap year, while gaining world-class skills and experience.

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Guaranteed job on completion

Completing your apprenticeship usually takes 12-18 months but it will depend on the job you are doing, and it’s just the start of your journey. Show potential and work hard, and in return you’ll have all the support you need to progress quickly.

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Become a specialist

A future in the Royal Navy can be whatever you want it to be. Tailor your career by choosing a profession that interests you. We offer more than 20 apprenticeships across careers with a competitive salary, world travel, and supportive mentorship.

Think an apprenticeship means being stuck in a classroom all day? Think again. With the Royal Navy you’ll be learning on the job and applying your newfound skills in real work situations.

Our apprenticeship schemes

Whether you’re a school leaver, have existing qualifications, or want to re-train, there’s a place for you. There are two main schemes available: Rating (Intermediate Apprenticeships) and Accelerated Apprenticeships (Engineering).

Join as a rating and you’re automatically enrolled in an Intermediate Apprenticeship. That means you’ll learn on the job and earn a wage, at the same time as studying for your qualification. You’ll be part of the Royal Navy’s main workforce, the foundation of our operations.

Later in your career, you’ll be able to gain other civilian-recognised qualifications. This could include an Advanced or Higher Apprenticeship. And as you learn your trade, you’ll progress through the ranks on merit. You could even be selected for officer training.

Find a ratings role
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Regardless of the route you choose, you’ll need the right attitude, a passion for travel, and a real sense of adventure – we’ll help you with the rest.

There are several different apprenticeships available, so it’s easy to find the profession that suits you – whether you’re a school leaver, have further qualifications, or are planning to go to university.

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How you could progress

Start

Day one

Choose a profession, check what’s needed to apply, and register your interest. Once you’ve submitted your application, our career advisers will be in touch to guide you through the joining process.

Week 10

Basic training

The final stage of the joining process is a 10-week training course at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall, where you’ll learn the basic military skills that will stay with you throughout your career.
months 12-18

Entry level

You’ll join as either Able Rate or Probationary Leading Hand. Either way, there’s a clear path for progression, so you’ll learn the ropes quickly. Your apprenticeship will take roughly 12-18 months to complete.
year 2

First promotion

Reaching the rank of Leading Hand is something you are likely to achieve within two years. At this stage you’ll start mentoring junior personnel and take on a greater level of responsibility.
Year 2+

Second promotion

As with all promotions in the Royal Navy, reaching the rank of Petty Officer will be awarded on merit. If you show the leadership potential, you’ll take on more of a management role and get all the training that comes with it.
Ongoing

Further promotion

As a rating, you can earn a salary of up to £48,000. If you show the necessary potential, you can be recommended for officer selection at any point in your career, increasing your earning potential even further.

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Got a question?

Need help finding your ideal role?
Our virtual recruiter is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day

Apply now

Find your place in the Royal Navy. Make friends for life, learn new skills and experience the world.

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