Job Description
Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well-positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.
The 3-year apprenticeship programme will be a full Level 3 apprenticeship consisting of a EAL level 2 award in Engineering Operative technical certificate (embedded during year 1), followed by a 2-year EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (year 2 & 3), alongside these college qualifications there will also be a EAL Level 3 Diploma in Maritime Defence (Portfolio). As an Apprentice you will attend college and receive both practical and theoretical training part of your working week. The remainder of your week will be spent in the workplace.
You are required to attend college where you will undertake practical work and theory-based learning.
* Yard tour date Friday 27th March approx. 1hr long
* Interview & Assessment dates to be between 6th April - 17th April - Approx. 3hrs
Start dates will be around August/September 2026.
Job Description
Reporting to: The Apprenticeship Supervisor and Manager
Job purpose: Support production at Navantia UK.
What will you learn doing this apprenticeship: As an Apprentice you will attend college and receive both practical and theoretical training part of your working week. The remainder of your week will be spent in the workplace The Apprentice Production Engineer will support the development, management, and coordination of Production Engineering activities across all phases of the construction program. Under supervision, the apprentice will assist with production support, documentation, scheduling, and engineering processes while developing technical knowledge and practical skills.
Job Duties
* Learn to liaise with peers from other disciplines and sites across the Group.
* Assist with scheduling work orders throughout each phase of the programme from Cut Steel to Delivery.
* Support the creation of Work Orders and associated documentation.
* Help manage footprint allocation within the business unit.
* Assist in developing bills of materials for each work order and project phase.
* Provide support to production teams with drawing requirements, work order management, material queries, and schedule adherence.
* Contribute to the development of build strategy booklets and work quantities for structure, pipe, and outfitting disciplines.
* Take part in reviewing production processes and identifying opportunities for improvement
* Learn to support SAP activities for the production teams, including Inspections, quality documentation, progress reporting.
* Assist with the entry and monitoring of hours & progress in SAP systems.
* Support risk management activities for each phase of the programme.
* Participate in production readiness reviews for blocks and macros.
* Observe and support Production Engineering representation in meetings and workshops with NUK and NAV ES business units.
* Help with developing and maintaining project trackers and reporting documentation.
* Assist in contract close‑out activities, including capturing lessons learned and customer feedback for review and action.
Qualifications
Essential
* Hold a minimum a of GCSE grade C/4, National 5 (or Equivalent) in Mathematics and English
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to use your own initiative and a strong drive to succeed are all essential
* Interest in marine engineering
* Good problem‑solving and analytical skills.
* Strong attention to detail.
* Willingness to learn and follow instructions.
* Ability to work in varied environments (engine rooms, onboard vessels, outdoors, in the office).
Key Interpersonal/Behavioural Skills
* Ability to establish an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal
* Effectiveness in identifying possible problems for upward reporting/investigation
* Ability to express ideas or facts in a clear manner
* Professional and pro-active work ethic
Additional Information
On Offer
* Competitive hourly rate
* Company pension
* Health care cash plan (optional)
* 33 days holiday
* Life assurance
* Great opportunity to kick start your career
We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.
We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.
If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.