Marine engineering technician

Entry Requirements:

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 in marine engineering or marine technology.

Entry requirements:

• 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

College

You could take a course to get some of the skills you need.

Relevant courses include:

• Level 2 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
• Level 2 Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering Technology
• Level 3 Diploma in Marine Engineering
• Level 3 Diploma in Marine Construction, Systems Engineering and Maintenance
• T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

To become a marine engineering technician, you could do a Marine Engineer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

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

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• maths knowledge
• complex problem-solving skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• knowledge of physics
• design skills and knowledge
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• science skills
• knowledge of English language
• persistence and determination
• the ability to work well with others
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

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

As a marine engineering technician, you could:

• diagnose faults and repair equipment on a ship
• help design and develop new marine equipment
• refurbish older ships with new navigation and communications systems
• use remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) to inspect undersea pipelines
• maintain weapons systems, radar and sonar on board Royal Navy warships

Location : You could work in an office, at a shipyard, at a port, on a ship or underwater.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £24,000
Experienced : £43,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a manager, looking after a team of technicians or overseeing projects.

You could also specialise in a particular area, such as:

• boat design
• specialist equipment
• sales and support
• marine insurance