College launches Maritime Defence Engineering Apprenticeship

South Essex College has launched a Maritime Defence Engineering Apprenticeship – the only course of its kind in the South East of the country.

The apprenticeship is ideal for those who want to pursue a career as a maritime mechanical fitter, maritime electrical fitter or maritime fabricator.

For decades apprentices in marine engineering have been placed on motor vehicle courses in the absence of marine engineering courses, or they have had to study in the far north and south of the country where these courses exist.

The College is in a prime position to offer the course, with Essex boasting 360 miles of coastline and 95 marinas, bringing the much needed training to apprentices’ doorsteps.

The first cohort of students are three weeks into their four year course, making use of a new facility at PROCAT Basildon which is equipped with boats, jet skis, inboard and outboard engines, fuel systems, electronic panels, water pumps and engine control systems all donated by local businesses.

Lecturer Simon Lofting said it was a fantastic opportunity for those looking to start their career in the industry.

He said: “There is a huge call for marine engineers across the world, however they are few and far between. This course will produce the new generation of maritime engineers.

“Apprentices will learn to be in a position to fault find, diagnose and fix in an environment that sometimes leads to improvisation.”

To find out more visit www.southessex.ac.uk/apprenticeships