Royal Marines

Why a Royal Marine Apprenticeship?

Starting a Royal Navy apprenticeship means you get the travel and adventure of a gap year, while also gaining the new skills and experience you’d get at college or university. From day one of training, you’ll be making friends and enjoying a sense of camaraderie you won’t find anywhere else. Here, you learn your trade on the job and gain recognised qualifications, doing work that really matters under the guidance of your experienced crewmates.

Think an apprenticeship means being stuck in a classroom all day? Think again. With the Royal Navy you’ll be learning on the job and applying your newfound skills in real work situations.

Your apprenticeship begins after basic training, or during if you’re joining the Royal Marines. The course is a mix of theory and work-based learning, with a few formal interviews and practical assessments along the way. You’ll be expected to complete a Career Development Journal as you progress.

Your time will roughly be split at 20% learning and 80% working, which means you’ll be an important member of the team from day one, gaining new skills at the same time as developing your knowledge.

The Royal Navy is unlike any civilian organisation. We work on a truly global scale, so this is your opportunity to choose an apprenticeship where you’ll get paid to travel the world. You’ll meet new people, learn a trade, and experience things you never imagined – from diving in the Indian Ocean, to Antarctic research operations.

The age range for joining the Royal Navy is 16-36, although that may vary for certain roles. If you're under the age of 18 you will need the consent of a parent or guardian. If you are thinking or joining straight from school, it’s important to remember that you’ll have the opportunity to continue your education while you serve in the Royal Navy, at the same time as earning a wage.

To be eligible you have to be:

• At least 15 years old and 9 months when you apply

• Over 16 years old on entry

• Under the maximum age requirement, which varies from role to role.