
UKSA Workboat Crew Member Apprenticeship
Are you looking for an exciting career in the maritime industry?
UKSA Workboat Crew Member Apprenticeship in association with Seacat Services
The workboat apprenticeship with UKSA and Seacat is a 2 year programme designed to give the apprentice all the skills, knowledge and behaviours to work in the rapidly expanding wind farm sector.
No experience required – Isle of Wight Residents Only – 18-25 Year Olds

About Programme
After initial 4 weeks training at UKSA the apprentice will work with Seacat Services on one of their workboats on a 3 week on/ 3 week off rotation with continued training at UKSA and the Isle of Wight College. On completion of the apprenticeship and the end point assessment there is the opportunity of full-time employment.
The crewmember must have the knowledge, skills and competence to carry out all the core tasks on board with minimal supervision, including –
- Communications – including use of VHF and UHF radios, mobile telephone and IT
- Navigation & vessel handling – manoeuvre the workboat and check position using bridge equipment.
- Berthing – bring workboat alongside and to handle mooring ropes to secure the workboat.
- Towing Operations & Laying Moorings – using winches to handle ropes, wires and chains.
- Personnel Transfers – ensuring all precautions taken to allow safe transfer to other object.
- Cargo handling – assist in slinging of loads, crane operations and securing cargo on board the workboat.
Prerequisites
- No experience required!
- Isle of Wight Residents only
- You must be aged 18-25
- Every civil apprentice without exception will need to pass the MCA’s strict ENG 1 medical requirements.
Selection Day Information
The selection days will be held at UKSA in Cowes on the:
- 9th July 2021
Qualifications gained
- STCW Basic Safety Courses: Personal Survival Techniques, Firefighting and Fire Prevention, Emergency First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
- STCW[1]Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
- STCW Navigational Watch Rating Certificate (incl. 6 months statutory sea time)
- MCA[2]Auxiliary Engine Course (AEC) Parts 1&2
- MCA Efficient Deck Hand Certificate (incl. 6 months statutory sea time)
- Marine Hydraulic Loader Crane Operators certificate
- Slinger and Signaller’s certificate
- Food preparation and hygiene certificate
- Marine Radio Short Range Certificate
- Vessel Ropework, Anchoring and Mooring Operations certificate
Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking their end point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeships English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualification are an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.
Funding
Government funded
How to apply?
Contact UKSA and speak to an advisor
Please feel free to contact Claire Arnold who will be more than happy to supply you with further information.
E-mail: [email protected] – Telephone: 01983 203028
Apprenticeship in association with Seacat Services
Seacat Services operate a fleet of IACS classified multi-purpose offshore energy support vessels. Their vessels are designed and constructed to conduct safe, fast, comfortable transport and transfer of personnel and equipment in the toughest of marine environments.
Kerrie Forster, Chief Executive Officer at the Workboat Association, says: “With this scheme, the UKSA, Isle of Wight College and Seacat Services are building on a fantastic local heritage of supplying highly trained crew and specialist vessels to support the UK’s highly successful offshore wind market. This mirrors the picture we’re seeing across the country as the UK workboat sector gears up to meet growing demand and ensures that young people are able to benefit from this booming industry.”