Here at The Isle of Wight College we work with a number of employers, in a vast array of industries. In association with UKSA and The Isle Of Wight College, a fantastic apprenticeship opportunity has arisen to work for Seacat Services as a Workboat Crew Member.
After initial 4 weeks training at UKSA in Cowes the apprentice will work with Seacat Services on one of their workboats on a 3 week on/ 3 week off rotation with continued training at UKSA and the Isle of Wight College. On completion of the apprenticeship and the end point assessment there is the opportunity of full-time employment. Rather excitingly, there are 10 apprenticeship positions available for this role.
Apprentice Role (no experience required):
The crewmember must have the knowledge, skills and competence to carry out all the core tasks on board with minimal supervision, including –
- Communications – including use of VHF and UHF radios, mobile telephone and IT.
- Navigation & vessel handling – manoeuvre the workboat and check position using bridge equipment.
- Berthing – bring workboat alongside and to handle mooring ropes to secure the workboat.
- Towing Operations & Laying Moorings – using winches to handle ropes, wires and chains.
- Personnel Transfers – ensuring all precautions taken to allow safe transfer to other object.
- Cargo handling – assist in slinging of loads, crane operations and securing cargo on board the workboat.
Job Description to include:
- Assist with tasks required by the planned maintenance system and the general upkeep of the vessel.
- Where appropriate offer feedback to aid planning and project managing of refit projects.
- Where appropriate offer feedback to aid planning and project managing of routine servicing.
- Act as directed to minimise the impact of breakdowns when they occur.
- Assist with the timely requisition of low stock items and the upkeep of supporting documentation for vessel inventory management.
- When required, assist with the efficient completion of vessel inspections.
- Assist in the continual improvement of the IMS by feeding back on any errors or improvements you find in the system.
- Provide high quality working environment for you and your colleagues by keeping your workplace environment clean and tidy.
- Maintain good relations with colleagues especially those who you will need to work closely with such as other members of your crew.
- Engage in seafarer appraisals & 1-2-1s to maintain your own continual professional development.
- Assist with the management of dangerous goods as cargo in line with IMDG certification.
- Use risk assessments for a clear understand of the risks associated with tasks undertaken.
- Use method statements to ensure best practice is used for tasks undertaken.
- Report safety events whenever you witness one.
- Support the investigating of safety events by gathering and/or sharing accurate evidence relevant to the investigation.
- Attend vessel safety & performance meetings to discuss safety and performance related concerns and bring them to the company’s attention.
- Participate in emergency response drills and offer feedback for reporting and improvements.
- Assist with planned maintenance related to safety tasks.
- Navigate vessel within the safe limits of the vessel capabilities within the limits of responsibility delegated to you.
- Assist in the accurate measurement of fuels & oils consumed.
- Utilise the procedures in the garbage management plan when handling ship generated waste.
Prerequisites:
- You must be aged 18-25 to start the Workboat Apprenticeship.
- Every civil apprentice without exception will need to pass the MCA’s strict ENG 1 medical requirements.
- Be a resident of the Isle of Wight.
- Apply before the deadline of 10th March
Qualifications Required:
GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and Maths (or equivalent qualification and/or ability to work towards these Functional Skills.)
Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking their end point assessment. For those with an Education, Health and Care Plan or Legacy statement, the apprenticeships English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualification are an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.
Apprenticeship:
- Workboat Crew Member Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard.
- Functional Skills in Maths and English if required.
- There is a requirement to complete 20% off the job training, this includes time spent either learning something new, attendance at regular workshops, other courses or any support work that is not in your usual role.
- Apprenticeship duration will be for 24 months where the final 3 months will involve gateway for the end point assessment.
- Training at The Isle Of Wight College & UKSA as part of the course.
Working Week:
- 3 week on and 3 week off rotation.
Wage:
£4.15 per hour in year 1
Minimum wage for age in year 2
The current National Minimum Wage (NMW) rate for apprentices is £4.15 per hour. This applies to 16-18-year-old apprentices and those aged over 19 in the first year of their Apprenticeship. The Minimum Wage for Apprentices applies to time spent on the job plus time spent training. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
Once qualified and upon successful apprenticeship completion, there may be an opportunity to progress to a permanent role within the business, dependent on suitability and opportunity at that time.
If this sounds like the next, or indeed first step you want to take with your career, then please apply with your CV and a Covering Letter telling us why you would be the ideal candidate for this brilliant opportunity!