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Engineering

Ports Engineering Apprentice - Plymouth (2027 Start)

AECOM
Location
Plymouth, England, United Kingdom
Salary
Competitive
Posted
8 September 2026
Minimum grades
GCSE Maths and English grade 4+; A-Level Maths and physical science grade C+

About the role

About the Role AECOM is looking for enthusiastic and motivated apprentices to join our Ports Engineering teams. You’ll support a diverse range of projects involving the planning, design and development of maritime and coastal infrastructure, helping to deliver safe, resilient and sustainable solutions for ports, harbours and waterfront environments. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers and other technical professionals in multidisciplinary teams, gaining practical experience across the project lifecycle. Through on-the-job learning, formal training and mentoring, you’ll develop your technical skills and knowledge while working towards a recognised qualification and building a career in Ports Engineering. What You’ll Do As a Ports Engineering Apprentice, you’ll work closely with experienced engineers who will provide guidance and support as you develop your skills. Your responsibilities will grow as your knowledge and confidence develop, giving you increasing exposure to live projects and technical work. You’ll gain experience using industry-standard engineering, design and modelling software, as well as digital engineering and BIM tools, depending on project requirements. Your work may include: Assisting with the preparation of engineering drawings, plans, models and supporting documentation. Supporting the design and development of port, harbour, marine and waterfront infrastructure. Assisting with the preparation of technical calculations, specifications and design information. Helping to collect, analyse and interpret site, survey and engineering data. Supporting the assessment and development of solutions for existing and new maritime infrastructure. Participating in site visits, surveys and inspections to gather information and understand existing conditions. Assisting with technical reports, presentations and other project deliverables. Working collaboratively with engineers, designers and other technical professionals across multidisciplinary project teams. Supporting project administration and maintaining accurate project records. Developing your understanding of relevant engineering standards, guidance, legislation and industry best practice. As you progress through your apprenticeship, you’ll be encouraged to take on greater responsibility and contribute more independently to project tasks and technical deliverables. You may also have opportunities to work alongside other engineering disciplines, providing exposure to a broad range of infrastructure and development projects. This role is ideal for school leavers with GCSEs, A-Levels or equivalent qualifications who can demonstrate: A minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English. Three A-Levels (or equivalent, such as a BTEC Level 3 in Civil Engineering), including Mathematics and a physical science at grade C or above, where required for the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship. An interest in civil, structural, coastal, marine or ports engineering and a desire to build a career in the industry. An aptitude for technical software, engineering design and drawing, with an interest in CAD, 3D modelling or BIM. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. An interest in infrastructure, sustainability, resilience and the development of the built environment. Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem-solving. Good written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work effectively as part of a team and demonstrate initiative when working independently. Enthusiasm, adaptability and a willingness to learn and take on new challenges. Commitment to continuous learning and professional development. A creative and practical approach to problem-solving. Must be eligible and able to obtain Security Clearance (SC level)

Requirements

Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English. For Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship: Three A-Levels (or equivalent, such as BTEC Level 3 in Civil Engineering), including Mathematics and a physical science at grade C or above. Interest in civil, structural, coastal, marine or ports engineering. Aptitude for technical software, engineering design and drawing, with interest in CAD, 3D modelling or BIM. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Strong attention to detail and methodical approach to problem-solving. Good written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work effectively as part of a team. Enthusiasm, adaptability and willingness to learn. Commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Must be eligible and able to obtain Security Clearance (SC level).

Skills

CAD design3D modellingBIM toolsEngineering designTechnical drawingMicrosoft WordMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPointProblem-solvingAttention to detailWritten communicationVerbal communicationTeamworkTechnical software proficiency

Required qualifications

Essential
GCSE · Mathematics · Grade 4
Essential
GCSE · English · Grade 4
Desired
A Level · Mathematics · Grade C
Desired
A Level · Physical Science · Grade C