- £27,000 Funding Approved for Groundbreaking Ship’s Master Apprenticeship.
- New Ship’s Master Apprenticeship to Boost UK Maritime Sector.
- Government and Industry Back New Maritime Apprenticeship Scheme.
As part of National Careers Week, the UK Government and industry leaders have hailed the approval of funding for a new maritime apprenticeship. The initiative will create career opportunities in the UK’s small vessel sector, namely through the newly created Ship’s Master (500GT Near Coastal) apprenticeship, reports UK Chamber of Shipping.
Following the success of the Officer of the Watch Apprenticeship
The new apprenticeship is an extension of the success of the Officer of the Watch (OOW) 500GT Near Coastal apprenticeship, which has been operating for four years. It has been given the top funding band of £27,000 over four years.
After completing, apprentices can qualify to assume the position of Master—the most experienced rank on a ship—charged with the safety, navigation, and security of the ship in near-coastal waters and harbours. This position is essential in many maritime industries, such as:
- Cargo and passenger ships
- Royal Navy landing craft
- Tugs and workboats
- Commercial yachts and fishing boats
World-First: Ship Simulator Training
In a revolutionary step, the apprenticeship will incorporate state-of-the-art ship simulators as part of a pilot learning programme with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). This will enable apprentices to prepare for complex and high-risk situations in a secure and controlled setting.
Industry-Led Trailblazer Group Approved
The apprenticeship was created via the Trailblazer process, which convened prominent industry stakeholders, including:
- Boluda Towage Europe & SMS
- British Tugowners Association
- Forth Ports & Port of Dover
- Maritime Skills Alliance (MSA)
- Ministry of Defence & Serco Towage
- Svitzer & Williams Shipping
- The Workboat Association
The funding was approved by the Secretary of State on 19 February 2025, following a recommendation from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE). Apprenticeships can only start, however, once an appropriate end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) has received Ofqual recognition—a process that is in progress.
Government and Industry Leaders Applaud the Initiative
Maritime Minister, Mike Kane MP, said: “This Government is serious about breaking down barriers to opportunity and encouraging more people into their dream careers. I’m proud to see this support for apprenticeships in the maritime sector, which will help develop and nurture the next generation of skilled, hardworking UK seafarers.”
David Carter, Chair of the Master 500GT Trailblazer Group, and Royal Navy’s Merchant Navy Liaison Officer said: “The apprenticeship is the maritime sector’s first “Zero to Hero” fully funded apprenticeship to gain a Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Master Mariner Certificate of Competency 500GT, building on Officer of the Watch 500GT near coastal apprenticeship, facilitating the Government’s ambition for growth in UK maritime skills in offshore energy, towage, and workboat sectors.
I am delighted to see the apprenticeship approved, a huge thank you to the Trailblazer Group in getting this over the line. We have IfATE and DfE endorsement for the maximum permissible funding for 100% of the training costs and that is a fantastic achievement.
It has been especially rewarding to have support from the MCA and IfATE to go beyond statutory minimum requirements in the apprenticeship. To include management level human element and leadership training and funding for the MCA Bridge Watchkeeping Skills Simulator Course, an industry first, means the apprenticeship offers A+ standards and ground-breaking new training methods.”
Carmel Grant, Acting Chief Executive of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) said: “I want to congratulate the Trailblazer group of expert employers for developing this innovative apprenticeship. It is exciting to see how a combination of new technology and established training will enhance the skills of future ship’s masters, for smaller vessels, to ensure safety and to support navigation both at sea and in harbour.”
A Career Pathway for Aspiring Ship Masters
The apprenticeship offers a clear career progression for seafarers. Shaun Lock, a former Officer of the Watch apprentice, shared his enthusiasm about advancing to the new Master 500GT program.
Svitzer Apprentice, Shaun Lock: “Apprenticeships have given me the opportunity to work up the ladder within an industry I’m passionate about, helping me achieve my dream career as a Tug Master. Now that the Master 500GT Near Coastal has been approved, I look forward to taking my experience and expert teachings from this next phase to take the final leap towards my life ambition.”
A Welcome Boost for the UK Maritime Industry
The apprenticeship has received a warm reception from industry captains. Michael Paterson, Managing Director of Svitzer UK and Vice Chairman of the British Tugowners Association (BTA), highlighted its significance.
Michael Paterson, Svitzer UK Managing Director & BTA Vice Chairman: “This is fantastic news for the Maritime community, and we welcome this funding for the UK’s small vessel sector, where we operate over 70 tugs. The towage industry is an essential part of the UK maritime trade ecosystem, and this funding will secure the future of the next generation of seafarers.”
Next Steps: Getting the Apprenticeship Implemented
With Government support and full funding in place, the last step is Ofqual recognition for an EPAO to manage assessments. On completion, this apprenticeship will provide a world-class training route, keeping the UK maritime sector at the forefront of the global standards.
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Source: UK Chamber of Shipping
