2026 Vessel Master Apprentice - Turnchapel

As a Vessel Master Apprentice you will support our high-tech marine operations at Turnchapel. This is a unique opportunity to develop hands-on skill and gain specialist knowledge while working alongside expert engineering and vessel operations teams. Key responsibilities will include:

Support both harbour and sea integration testing on Thales UK vessels, assisting with setup, monitoring, and test activities Assist the engineering team with basic vessel maintenance tasks such as equipment checks, repairs, and routine upkeep Provide support during ad-hoc water-based trials conducted out of Turnchapel, including vessel preparation and data collection Gain a working knowledge of maritime autonomous systems used at Turnchapel through hands-on experience and training

Training:

You will be working towards the Boatmaster Level 3 Apprenticeship over a 2-year period with our training partner SeaRegs. This covers a wide range of commercial activity on inland tidal and non-tidal waterways in the UK. The training will take place in one and two-week blocks over the programme duration. The rest of the time you will be working in the business, applying your learning and gaining experience.  

Training Outcome:

You will have a permanent role at our marine operations at Turnchapel.

Employer Description:
Together, we create the ingenious technological systems and innovations that impact and improve people's lives every single day. Even if you haven't heard the name Thales before, you've definitely benefited from our inventiveness. We reinvest 20% of our sales in Research & Development in the UK. We support businesses, organisations, and governments in addressing tomorrow’s major challenges by developing advanced Defence, Security, Cybersecurity, Digital Identity, and Aerospace solutions, in the most sustainable, responsible, and ethical manner.

Working Hours :
37 hours a week, Monday - Thursday 8 hours a day, Friday 5 hours (08:00 to 17:00 with 1-hr for lunch)

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Problem solving skills,Analytical skills,Team working,Initiative