Apprenticeship Opportunity
Level 3 Small Commercial Vessel Crewmember
Are you passionate about the sea, boats and young people?
We are looking for a motivated and reliable individual to be our next Apprentice. This is a fantastic opportunity to launch a hands-on career in the marine industry, gaining nationally recognised qualifications and real world experience along the way.
Are you ready for a challenge that’s more than just a job? At Cirdan, our apprentices help deliver transformational residential voyages to disadvantaged young people.
What’s In It For You?
From day 1 on joining us, you will become one of our Bosun’s on board our boats helping to deliver our voyages. The job is much more than that though and experience will be gained in every aspect of running the fleet from the refit side of things over the winter periods to seamanship and navigation to looking after the vessels engines.
You will receive the following:
A fixed term contract until November 2027
A salary in line with Government guidelines for apprentices
External training periods with an approved training provider
Recognised qualifications including (but not limited to): RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore, STCW Personal Survival Techniques, Firefighting, First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities and Proficiency in Designated Security Duties, MCA Small Ships Navigation and Radar, MCA Approved Engine Course 1&2
On the job experience as a crew member on our fleet of traditional sailing vessels.
Accommodation during working periods
Who Are We Looking For?
The successful candidate will:
have a genuine interest in developing a career at sea
be passionate about helping others, especially disadvantaged young people
be resilient, positive and a good team player
be physically fit and able (you will be required to undertake an ENG1 medical https://www.gov.uk/seafarer-medical-certificates)
be willing to work and live away from home for periods of 3-4 weeks at a time
have GCSE’s in English and Maths
You need to be at least 18 by the 15th September 2025. There is no upper age limit to becoming an apprentice.
No sailing qualifications are required but if you do have any it will be an advantage.
Due to our work with young people, you will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check (this will be completed by us).
All applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK.
What is it not?
You won’t be sailing in glorious sunshine and a fair breeze 52 weeks of the year. Winter periods are spent in various boat yards and there is always something to fix on board.
Although working on sailing boats with young people is highly rewarding, there are long hours (often unsociable times), periods of 3-4 weeks away from home and plenty of unpleasant jobs to deal with. We definitely don’t want to put you off but there will be times when it’s wet and difficult!
The Application Process
Initial applications are to be made by email within the deadline of 18th July 2025 at 16:00.
If your application is successfully shortlisted then you will be invited to join an Assessment Voyage that is taking place aboard our vessel Faramir on Friday 1st August 2025 to Saturday 3rd August 2025 in Hartlepool. Joining time will be 18:00 on the Friday and departure will be at 16:00 on the Friday.
The Assessment Voyage will provide you with the opportunity to meet a number of our crew and management staff. During the voyage a number of practical assessments will happen (there is no preparation required) and a formal interview will take place.
Following the voyage, we will make a decision regarding the successful candidate and the start date will be mid September 2025.
Require some further information about the role before applying? Drop an email to ed@cirdantrust.org to discuss.
How To Apply
All applications should be made by email and consist of the following:
Your CV
A statement of at least 250 words describing why an apprenticeship with Cirdan is right for you.
Please submit your application to ed@cirdantrust.org. The closing deadline is 18th July 2025 at 16:00.