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Accelerated Apprentice Petty Officer Scheme Marine Engineering 

Accelerated Apprentice Petty Officer Scheme Marine Engineering 

You’ll be fast-tracked to working with our most advanced warships, part of the team that makes sure they’re always ready for action.

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This role is classed as a RBP Engineering Accelerated Apprentice Rating. As part of your application process, we’ll help you find the most suitable role based on your skills and experience.

Register interest
  • £41,772 - £64,000
  • A-Levels / college qualifications
  • Surface Fleet
  • Engineering
  • Rating level

Role details

Joining the Royal Navy on the Accelerated Apprentice Petty Officer (AAPO) Scheme Marine Engineering General Service (MEGS) streamlines your route to life as a world-class marine engineer.

After a condensed training period, it will be your job to make sure our state-of-the-art warships are ready for action. Wherever you are, and whatever the problem, you'll keep us moving. That can mean anything from maintenance in the Engine Room of a Type 45 Destroyer, to providing electricity for a Type 23 Frigate.

  • Be a key part of the immense engineering effort that goes into powering our ships, keeping every operation on track, and making some essential missions possible.
  • Find innovative and resourceful solutions to complex problems, applying the engineering skills and knowledge you gain, in a world where there is no such thing as standard.
  • Get your hands on of some of the most sophisticated equipment on the planet, working with your team, and under the guidance of the Marine Engineer Officer.
  • Complete daily rounds, checking equipment to ensure the ship remains operational. You’ll need to be precise and pay attention to detail, because even the smallest oversight can have a big impact on the rest of the ship
  • A starting of £41,772, rising to £47,700 on completion of training
  • Up to over £64,000 as your career progresses
  • An excellent non-contributory pension scheme – we pay into it for you, so you don’t have to sacrifice any salary
  • Six weeks of paid holiday every year – plus public holidays
  • Free medical and dental care
  • Amazing opportunities, including world travel and adventurous training for two weeks every year
  • Free gym and sports, from football to kayaking to kite-surfing
  • Forces Help to Buy scheme – a 0% loan to get you on, or further up, the housing ladder
  • Subsidised travel, accommodation and food

Qualifications you'll gain

  • An Advanced Apprenticeship (level 3) in Engineering Manufacturing

Opportunities open to you  

  • You could work toward a degree like Mechanical  Engineering

Skills you'll develop

  • Use your natural aptitude for fixing things, on a massive scale. 
  • Learn to maintain and operate some of the most cutting-edge kit on the planet and become familiar with a variety of sophisticated mechanical systems. 
  • You could be working on one of our new Type 45 Destroyers or QE Class Aircraft Carriers, the most advanced warships the nation has ever built.
 

  • You need to be aged 17 to 39 (You can start your application from 16.5 years old however you must be at least 17 years old on day of entry to basic training)
  • You must be a United Kingdom national, or Commonwealth citizen, or Dual National. Dual Nationality restrictions do apply
  • Pass the Naval Swimming Test
  • A minimum of three GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Mathematics and at least one science PLUS:

Option 1

  • National Qualifications Framework Level 3 Diploma (with a minimum of a Merit Pass) in an engineering discipline, OR 

Option 2

  • At least 48 UCAS points in A-Levels (or equivalent) in Mathematics and a STEM subject (minimum grade D or above in each subject)
  • A quick thinker, with a passion for working with the latest equipment and technology
  • A problem-solver who can work well as part of a team
  • A real sense of adventure, with a high level of physical and mental fitness
  • Enthusiasm for fixing and maintaining electronic and mechanical systems

 

I didn’t have the qualifications to join as an Engineer Officer, but this scheme meant I could move straight into a role that’s got the responsibility I want. Now I get to travel the world, getting my hands dirty, and working with amazing kit.

Matt

Engineering Technician, Engineering branch

Joining process

From picking your role to starting on your first day, these are the steps you'll take to join as a rating.

  • Register your interest
  • Complete your application
  • Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)
  • Interview
  • Medical and eye tests
  • Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT)
  • Candidate Preparation Course (CPC)
  • Start training

Register your interest

Find the right profession and entry level for you, make sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria, and register your interest online.

Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive an email with more details about your chosen profession, along with an invitation to speak with our friendly recruitment team about any questions or concerns you might have.

Start your application

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

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