Maritime Occupations: Workboats SCQF Level 5

Course Content and Study Mode

The Modern Apprenticeship is made up of three elements:
1. Diploma in Maritime Occupations: Workboats SCQF Level 5
2. Core Skills
3. Mandatory Enhancements

Diploma
To achieve the Diploma, apprentices must complete 13 learning units:

Mandatory Units:

• Maritime Employment, Environmental and Health and Safety Practice
• Maritime Sector Overview
• Vessel Ropework, Anchoring and Mooring Operations
• Securing a Vessel for Passage
• Vessel Construction and Stability
• Contribute to Workboat Operations
• Basic Vessel Engineering Systems
• Survival in the Water during Maritime Emergencies
• Vessel Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW)
• Emergency First Aid in Response to Maritime Accidents or Medical Emergencies
• Communicate Using Equipment and Visual Means
• Basic Navigational Watchkeeping
• Control Operation of Survival Craft and Rescue Boats

Core Skills
Everyone needs Core Skills, no matter what job they undertake or what sector they work in. Core Skills feature in various National Qualifications, and Scottish candidates have been issued with a Core Skills profile on their Scottish Qualifications Certificate since 2000. 

Core Skills are embedded in the Diploma in Maritime Occupations: Workboats SCQF Level 5.

Candidates who have already been certificated as achieving Core Skills at the required levels - either in the workplace or at school or college - do not need to repeat these Core Skills as part of the Modern Apprenticeship Framework.

 

Mandatory Enhancements
Each apprentice must pass the following 4 safety courses – which are a statutory obligation – before serving at sea. They are normally taken together, with a security course, in a week's off-the-job training:

• Personal survival techniques (PST)
• Fire prevention and firefighting
• Elementary first aid
• Personal safety and social responsibilities (PSSR)

Study Mode
Work-based and college-based, with self-led learning via UHI Argyll’s online learning platform assessed by a designated assessor.

How long does it take to complete?

On average 12-24 months, depending on the candidate’s previous experience.

When can the Modern Apprenticeship start?

Flexible start date, any time of year.  

Who is eligible to become a Modern Apprentice?

No formal entry qualifications are required.
Candidates are usually already in the employment they wish to undertake the Modern Apprenticeship with.

How are Modern Apprenticeships funded?

Skills Development Scotland contribute towards the cost of the apprentice training under the Modern Apprenticeship programme. This is available for all young people aged between 16-19 for all frameworks. Funding may also be available for young people between the ages of 20-24 and 25+ depending on the frameworks and sectors.

Modern Apprentices are paid a wage directly by their employer whilst undertaking their qualification

Career Prospects

This apprenticeship leads to a range of career opportunities in a particularly varied sector given the range of work which workboats do. As with ratings in the Merchant Navy, there is also good opportunities for promotion to officer roles. Find out more by visiting The Workboat Association.