Apprentice Marine Engineer

Job Title: Apprentice Marine Engineer

Salary: The salary is broken down as £23,936 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £29,624.

Location: Other - Wapping Marine Workshop, London

About this Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity to work in our marine workshop as an Apprentice Marine Engineer. This is a unique opportunity to learn ‘on the job’ and work alongside some of the most experienced Marine Engineers in the industry.
The Marine Policing Unit (MPU) is responsible for policing the 47 miles of the River Thames within the MPS area (Dartford to Hampton Court) as well as providing specialist response to over 250 miles of canals and waterways, lakes and reservoirs and other bodies of water in London. The Metropolitan Police Marine Workshop, Marine Engineering staff are responsible for all the maintenance and repairs carried out on the current fleet of vessels used by the MPU. This ranges from carrying out basic engine servicing to complete engine rebuilds.
The apprenticeship that we provide is a four-apprenticeship based at Wapping, London, but with the requirement to complete ‘off-the-job’ learning at our training provider (outside of London). The successful applicant will be required to spend one day per week at college (term time only), with the remaining time being spent practicing your new skills in our workshop under the expert guidance of your mentor and supervisor. The Metropolitan Police will fund any travel and accommodation, if required, as part of your day release study.

About the Met

The Met’s fleet of 5000 vehicles, 1000 pedal cycles and 25 marine vessels are all important physical assets that enable our officers and staff to carry out their jobs. The vehicles are a workplace for our officers and staff, carry sophisticated equipment for operational policing and providing a safe environment for the transport of the public and prisoners. The vehicles are deployed on a wide range of duties and include such variety as general-purpose cars, protected public order carriers, motorcycles, armed response cars, pursuit cars, prisoner transport vans, transfer of plant and specialist equipment. On many of these duties, the vehicles are subject to arduous use, responding to emergencies using police exemptions.
About Fleet Services

Fleet Services form part of the ‘Operational Support Services’ business group, providing pan-London support to support policing across the Capital. Fleet Services are responsible for all aspects of fleet lifecycle management to the Metropolitan Police Service, including vehicle and vessel maintenance. Fleet Services are also responsible for the service, maintenance and repair of police vehicles and vessels that are ‘retained’ by the Metropolitan Police Service; specifically, those assets where service, maintenance and repair activities are completed at our purpose-built workshops by our in-house team of dedicated technicians and support staff.

Main Duties and Key Responsibilities

The role of Apprentice Marine Engineer sits within our Retained Fleet Services function, operating out of our marine workshop facility in Wapping, London. Whilst you’ll primarily be learning your trade, the role holder will also play a key role in our team to ensure that vessels are serviced and maintained, to support operational front line policing by making sure the availability of the Marine Policing Unit is optimised at all times.
The Apprentice Marine Engineer will assist with the key processes of maintaining the marine fleet of vessels maintained at Wapping Marine Workshop.

• To carry out the service and repair of marine vessels, in accordance with specified procedures and work listed on job cards as directed by Workshop Supervisor.
• To use a full range of tools, diagnostic and test equipment, to equip, diagnose, repair and maintain the full fleet of marine vessels.
• Gain a good working knowledge of various type of hull construction and associated repair techniques.
• To carry out testing of vessels once serviced and become a competent boat handler.
• Gain a good working knowledge of Health and Safety in the workplace.
• Gain knowledge of all the maintenance and repair procedures, required to make professional decisions on serviceability of all safety related items.
• Gain knowledge of all workshop tools, machinery and equipment, and a full understanding of its intended use.
• Attend local briefings and relevant training courses as required and to keep conversant with latest technology with the use of further education facilities.
• Ensure that all aspects of work meet departmental quality standards.
• Ensure that personal performance and productivity levels are maintained to the standards defined by the department.
• Workplace and college-based development must be in line with all relevant performance criteria.
• To carry out any other reasonable duties and responsibilities within the overall function, commensurate with the grading and level of responsibilities of the post.
• Gain an understanding and adhere the MPS Equal Opportunities Policy.
• Have a good knowledge of and keep abreast of all Fleet Services policy and procedural requirements.
• Maintain all personal equipment, work area and accommodation in an appropriate condition.
• In the course of carrying out their duties the individual has a primary responsibility for both their own health and safety and the health and safety of others and should implement and comply with all Health & Safety training and/or requirements. At all times wear the correct personal protective equipment for the task being carried out.

The role holder will be required to work within a team to enhance the overall fleet operation and ensure that we meet operational demands and keep London safe by ensuring a safe, fit-for-purpose and available fleet, in the most efficient and cost-effective way.

Your Profile

This is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of the UK’s largest police service. We’re looking for somebody who is committed to their own personal development, is passionate about the marine industry and is keen to get stuck in as part of a team to deliver outstanding results. We won’t apologise for looking for the best – we have High Standards and we’re not just looking for an apprentice - we want to find individuals who are ready to learn a trade and work towards qualifying as fully-trained Marine Engineer.

• We are looking for an enthusiastic, driven individual to join our workshop technical team. You will not necessarily have any experience in the marine industry, but you will need to demonstrate your enthusiasm, drive and commitment to previous study.
• You’ll need to be able to commit to studying with our training provider. You will need to be aware that annual leave cannot be taken during course contact time and you must attend all mandatory lessons set out by the training provider. Whilst much of your studying will be during work time, you’ll also need to be prepared to practice and revise outside of work for your mid-point examinations throughout your apprenticeship. You’ll need to commit to completing your mid-stage and end-point assessments throughout the duration of your apprenticeship. Your continuing employment with us will be subject to your progression through the training syllabus.
• You’ll need to live within a commuting distance of our marine workshop and we’re looking for applicants who live within a one hour commute of Wapping, London.
• Finally, to ensure that you fit well into or team we’re looking for individuals with effective communication and interpersonal skills, and the confidence to work both as part of a team and independently.

In Return, We Can Offer

We’re proud to be able to offer one of the most competitive reward packages in the industry to attract the high calibre of apprentice that we require for this role. In addition to the benefits listed below, you’ll also enjoy the kind of great benefits that you’d expect from one of London's largest employers. These include annual leave, civil service pension arrangements, interest free season ticket loans, membership of Met sports and social clubs, and many more.

• A competitive starting salary
• A fully funded four-year apprenticeship leading to a recognised industry qualification
• Day release training programme so that you can commit to your learning
• Latest equipment and tooling provided for use in our workshop
• The latest equipment and specialist tooling provided in our workshop, including personal issue tools and toolbox for use during your employment.
• Free uniform and PPE
• All travel and accommodation to college paid for by the Metropolitan Police Service
• A dedicated mentor in the workshop to provide consistent support through your course
• A hands-on working and learning environment
• Regular appraisals by your line manager
• 36 hours per week – Monday to Friday only with no weekend working
• 28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days after 5 years’ service
• Access to emergency service discount schemes (Blue Light Card)

Additional Information

There are three stages to the recruitment process. Applicants are invited to apply for this post online through the Metropolitan Police Service careers website. Applicants successful at the paper sift stage will be invited to a face-to-face interview with our college training provider where you will be required to also evidence some of your education to date. Successful applicants at this stage will be invited to a final interview with the Metropolitan Police Fleet Services team in London. This position is subject to national police vetting, and we anticipate our apprentices commencing their employment with the Metropolitan Police Service in the Autumn of 2024.

How to apply

Click the apply now button below and start your career at the Met. Applications will be via a detailed CV, Personal Statement, and online application form. Your personal statement should outline why you are interested in the role and how your skills and experience demonstrate your suitability for the role. (NB. Please do not attach 2 copies of your CV).

Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 5th of June 2024.

Essential For The Role, e.g. qualifications, licenses, languages, training

Knowledge

The Apprentice will gain knowledge / understanding of the following:

• NVQ Level 3 Marine Engineering
• NVQ Level 3 Extended Diploma in marine electrical installations and maintenance
• City & Guilds Level 3 in marine construction, systems engineering and maintenance
• Advanced level apprenticeship certificate
• NVQ Level 2 PEO (Performing Engineering Operations) Lathes & Mills.
• Marine plumbing and electrics certificate
• GRP repair certificate
• RYA National Power Boat Level 2
• RYA Helmsman Course
• RYA Sea Survival Course
• VHF Short Range Radio Certificate
• First Aid Course (RYA requirement)

Skills

• Good level of communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate with staff and officers of all levels.
• Have the ability to work using their own initiative, make technical decisions based on fact and must be able to work in challenging situations and within tight time frames.
• Work as part of a team and unsupervised when necessary.
• Accurately record obtained measurements and data on completed work, compiling technical reports where necessary.
• Professional attitude.
• Work flexibly to meet deadlines.
• Problem solving skills.
• Reliable, enthusiastic, and committed.

Experience

• The role holder should have experience of managing their own learning through their education to date.

Qualifications / Minimum requirement / Apprentice Programme

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Mathematics and English at Grade C or 4 or equivalent.

You may or may not hold a driving licence at point of application, but there should be a commitment to obtaining a full UK driving licence (Category B) before the completion of the apprenticeship programme.