My name is Joe Coward and I’m a Level 3 Maritime Engineering Technician apprentice. This is my story. 

I grew up around water and was always interested in how boats work, how to maintain them and how to keep them running. I was originally drawn to the course after taking part in the Marine Engineering study group course, a one-year Level 2 course covering the core principles of mechanical and electrical engineering skills. It also included work experience on the river, which gave me valuable insight into what it’s really like to work on the water. This experience led seamlessly into my current apprenticeship. 

The most rewarding part of my apprenticeship so far has been the opportunity to work with new and industry equipment and to learn from experienced professionals, engineers and crews who work on the Thames. I’ve learnt so much. 

But apprenticeships require hard work. My biggest challenge has been managing my time and learning to balance my work and college workload to ensure everything is completed on time and to the best of my ability. 

One of my favourite memories during my apprenticeship was working on my first bulk carrier ship in Tilbury docks. I carried out essential maintenance on the vessel’s  hydraulic systems. These system are essential to the vessel to keep meeting its working requirements and to keep the ship moving. That experience opened my eyes to just where my career could take me in the future and the sheer range of equipment involved in different vessel’s systems.

The equipment available at South Essex Colleges Group is of a high standard and allows us to practice and hone our skills so we can walk into the workplace knowing what we need to know. Within the industry, the equipment is always changing, from the basics, to more task specific and tailored machinery, and being able to learn and practise ahead of time in a college environment is brilliant. 

My time at college has given me the opportunity to learn essential skills to be able to work in the maritime industry. I feel like I can take my knowledge straight into the workplace, and develop them further. 

For anyone considering studying Maritime Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Level 3, I would tell them to be open to everything and always accept new knowledge and opportunities. Whether that’s working night or on the weekend, on big equipment or small, it’s important to be open to it all. When someone gives you advice, take it on board because you might need it in the future. 

My name is Shauna Sinead Knowles, I am studying Maritime Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Level 3 at South Essex Colleges Group. This is My Story. 

I was drawn to the course by its practical, hands-on nature. There is always something new to work on and explore. Having studied within the engineering field throughout my time at college, Marine Engineering stood out to me as a discipline that offers continuous learning and variety, with no two days ever being the same. This dynamic environment is what inspired me to pursue it further. 

As such, gaining an apprenticeship has been one of the most rewarding experiences as it has taught me not only valuable workplace skills but also important life lessons. It has given me the opportunity to understand the ins and outs of the marine field. What excites me most is the fast-paced, dynamic environment where each day brings new challenges and opportunities to grow. 

The biggest challenge I overcame on my apprenticeship so far has been learning to open up and coming more confident in expressing myself, especially around people I didn’t know. I also learned that making mistakes is part of the process, and what’s most important is to keep trying and improving.

My favourite memory of the course has been the opportunity to attend Sea Works. I enjoyed being around others who share similar interests. On the mechanical engineering side, I particularly enjoyed the welding activities, as welding is one of my favourite skills to practise.

The tools and equipment both at college and within my workplace are similar, which allows me to gain consistent, hands-on experience and makes the transition between learning in college and applying skills at work seamless.

My time at South Essex Colleges Group prepared me for the workplace by developing my mechanical abilities while also instilling the importance of safe practices, such as wearing the correct PPE and maintaining professional behaviour

The advice I would give to anyone considering this course is to take it seriously, as it involves a balance of both theory and practical learning. It provides an excellent understanding of how the workplace operates and prepares you for the realities of the maritime industry

Being a South Essex Colleges Groups student has allowed me to explore my chosen career path, and provided both the support and opportunities I needed to help me turn it into a reality.