Industry welcomes decision to retain key maritime apprenticeships

Andrew Yarwood, Brookes Bell (left), Paula Gibbons LISW (middle), Steven Smart HF (right)

The UK Chamber of Shipping has welcomed the decision by Skills England to retain five maritime apprenticeship standards following representations from the across the maritime industry.

The five apprenticeships being retained are Seafarer Deck Rating, Small Commercial Vessel Crew Member, Officer of the Watch 500gt Near Coastal, Marine and Boatyard Operative, and Marine Pilot.

A UK Chamber of Shipping spokesperson said:

"The decision to retain these key maritime apprenticeships is excellent news for our industry and for the people looking to build rewarding careers within it.

Attracting, training and retaining the next generation of maritime professionals is critical to the future of UK shipping.

Apprenticeships provide vital routes into maritime careers, giving people the opportunity to build the skills and experience they need, while helping employers develop the workforce our industry depends on. 

It is encouraging to see Skills England respond positively to the evidence and feedback provided from across the maritime sector. This outcome reflects the strength of the collective case made by sector about the importance of retaining these routes."

Skills England has confirmed that evidence submitted by employers, training providers, trade unions and sector representative bodies had informed its decision. Organisations making representations in support of retaining the apprenticeships included the UK Chamber of Shipping, Merchant Navy Training Board and British Tugowners Association, alongside the Maritime Skills Alliance and other maritime employers, training providers, trade unions and sector representative bodies.

We look forward to continuing to work with Skills England and partners across maritime to ensure our training system remains responsive to industry developments, employers needs and creates high-quality opportunities for the next generation. 

The UK Chamber has also called, in our 2026 Budget Submission, for Skills England to be sufficiently resourced to support maritime apprenticeships.