Maritime electrical fitter
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 3.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A maritime electrical fitter installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems and equipment on commercial ships, naval vessels, and offshore structures. At level 3, apprentices develop practical skills in marine electrical wiring, switchboard maintenance, and fault diagnosis alongside knowledge of classification society requirements. The role leads to senior maritime electrician, electrical officer, or marine superintendent positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
AC and DC electrical theory applied to maritime power systems
Marine electrical installation standards and classification society rules
Cable selection, routing, and termination in a ship-building or refit environment
Switchboard, control panel, and power distribution equipment maintenance
Marine safety regulations including LSA and FFA electrical systems
Electrical fault diagnosis using test equipment including multimeters and insulation testers
How to read maritime electrical drawings, single-line diagrams, and wiring schematics
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Install cabling for power, lighting, and control systems during new builds or refits
Terminate and connect cables at switchboards, distribution panels, and equipment
Test insulation resistance, earth continuity, and polarity on completed circuits
Carry out planned maintenance on generators, switchboards, and motors
Diagnose and repair electrical faults on ship systems using appropriate test equipment
Complete work completion records and test sheets for classification surveyor review
Follow safe working procedures in confined, live-working, and hot-work environments
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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