Summary
As an Engineering Technician Communications and Information Systems Specialist (Submariner) you'll be part of the elite Silent Service and a central member of your vessel’s engineering team. Using ultramodern radio and satellite systems to communicate with off-vessel command, you’re key to tactical and strategic communications.
Wage
£20,400 a year
•A £5,000 bonus on being awarded your Dolphins – the mark of a qualified Submariner •Additional Submariner pay each day at sea once you’re qualified •Excellent non-contributory pension scheme – we pay into it for you, so you don’t have to.
Training course
Maritime mechanical and electrical mechanic (level 2)
Hours
Shifts to be confirmed.
40 hours a week
Start date
Tuesday 2 June 2026
Duration
3 years
Positions available
70
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you’ll do at work
* Work on vessels at the forefront of our nation’s defence: a Vanguard class ballistic missile submarine (our nuclear deterrent) or an Astute class attack submarine
* Using cutting-edge comms kit, you’ll be handling extremely confidential data, including highly classified intelligence and personally sensitive crewmate information
* Operate, maintain, diagnose and repair global communication systems, to guarantee the safe transmission of information
* Find a solution to whichever problem comes your way, working with your team in challenging environments and high-pressure situations
Where you’ll work
Navy Command HQ
The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO2 8BY
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
ROYAL NAVY
Your training course
Maritime mechanical and electrical mechanic (level 2)
Equal to GCSE
Course contents
* Comply with quality, safety, health and environmental regulations.
* Read, analyse and interpret engineering data, drawings and documentation used in the operation and maintenance procedures.
* Use hand and power tools to measure, mark out, cut, drill, shape and finish components to the required engineering tolerances.
* Assembly, removal, maintenance and overhaul components, equipment and systems.
* Apply assembly and installation methods and techniques (such as mechanical fasteners, terminations, connectors, seals, gaskets, and jointing materials).
* Undertake testing, inspection and diagnostic activities on components, equipment and systems, making adjustments where applicable
* Comply with correct entry procedures and precautions for confined spaces.
Your training plan
* By the end of your apprenticeship you will be a qualified Comms Specialist (Submariner)-Maritime Mechanical & Electrical Mechanic Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard
* Functional Skills in English and maths if required
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
* Math and English (grade GCSE Level C/4)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* IT skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Problem solving skills
* Administrative skills
* Number skills
* Analytical skills
* Logical
* Team working
* Creative
* Initiative
* Non judgemental
* Patience
Other requirements
We recruit throughout the year, so please ignore Key Dates. To find out more information including eligibility to join, and to begin your application please call into one of our Careers offices or visit the Royal Navy Recruitment website.