Apprentice Engineering Technician (RFA)

Service:Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Branch:Engineering
Level:Rating,Apprenticeship
Civilians
Engineering
Technology
RFA
Favourite

The role at a glance

Sunshine icon.

Leave

7 days of paid leave for every month served on board ship

House icon.

Free

Food and accommodation when you’re on deployment

Money icon.

Pay

£16,500+ Starting Salary During Training

Graduation cap icon.

Study

Gain an NVQ Engineering Diploma

People icon.

Pension

Membership of a Civil Service Pension Scheme

Globe icon.

Travel

Potential to travel around the world

What you’ll do

Without the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), the Royal Navy wouldn’t be the force it is. Without its engineers, the RFA wouldn’t be able to provide the operational and logistical support it does. As an Apprentice Engineering Technician, you’ll be doing the essential work that keeps our ships moving. For you, ordinary doesn’t exist. Even the most routine work is challenging and exciting, as you embark on a career that will see you become a world-class engineer. 

If you have questions, talk to us

call us 0345 604 0520

The role

  • Travel the world as part of a professional engineering team. You could be maintaining your ship’s complex electrical and mechanical equipment one day, and ensuring cranes, lifts and other deck gear are in top condition the next.
  • Use your enthusiasm for electrical and mechanical engineering to gain a thorough knowledge of both disciplines, learning from the experienced engineers who will act as your mentors.
  • Gain hands-on experience using our most sophisticated electrical systems and largest-scale mechanical kit. From the hull and propulsion systems, to navigation and communications equipment.
  • When you’re not in the Engine Room, you’ll have crucial duties to perform as part of the ship’s company, including firefighting, first aid, and being a member of the damage control team.

What you’ll get

Skills for life

Qualifications you'll gain

  • Maritime Mechanical and Electrical Mechanic, Level 2 Diploma, issued by the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education
  • Incorporated Functional Skills in Maths, English and ICT
  • Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Mandatory Seafarer Qualifications (STCWs)
  • Merchant Navy Engine Rating Watchkeeping Certificate of Competency
     

Skills you'll develop

  • Learn to maintain and repair a wide range of electronic and mechanical systems
  • Become confident working with the most cutting-edge equipment
     

 

Career progression

On completion of your Apprenticeship, you may be offered a full Company Service Contract as a Motorman Grade 1. 

What you'll need

Eligibility

  • Aged at least 17 years 6 months to apply, and 18 years to commence employment. There is no upper age limit
  • No qualifications are required for this role
  • Must be British, Irish or Commonwealth citizens. However, a number of career paths have nationality restrictions. Dual Nationality will be considered providing the first nationality is British. Note: Residency restrictions may apply
  • Need to have confidence with jumping into water and the ability to wade whilst wearing a life jacket

Skills and interests

  • A passion for the latest technology
  • Great at working as part of a team
  • A common sense approach to solving mechanical problems
  • A sense of adventure
Check Eligibility

Starting your career

Joining process

  • Apply – Fill in an online application form
  • Eligibility – We will request copies of certification to ascertain your suitability for the role
  • Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) – You will be asked to attend an Armed Forces Careers Office close to your home where you will conduct the DAA. Prepare by doing our practice test
  • Sift – Your application will go forward for sift by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) who will check that you have the knowledge and potential to succeed in your chosen role
  • Training – If successful, you will be offered a place at HMS Sultan, HMS Raleigh, or HMS Collingwood, depending on your apprenticeship where you will begin your initial training
  • Interview - If you are successful at interview, you will be offered a contract

more about the joining process

Find out more

Initial training

As an apprentice you’ll combine real work with on and off the job training. Your training as an Apprentice Engineering Technician will start at HMS Raleigh for 4 weeks, followed by 29 weeks at HMS Sultan. After this, you take leave, then your second sea phase.

more about initial training

Find out more

Request your application
Register your interest
Call 0345 604 0520
Find your local AFCO

Need more information?

Recommended roles

Air Engineering Technician

Join us

Direct Entry Technician (Marine Engineering)

Join us

Medical Officer Cadet

Join us

Accelerated Apprentice Scheme (Weapon Engineering)

Join us