Salary
£14,622 with yearly increments throughout (our salaries are currently under review and will be updated accordingly)
Contract type
Apprenticeship
Additional information
37 hours per week. The start date for this role is 7 September 2026
Location
Poole, Dorset, England
Location description
All-weather Lifeboat Centre, Poole, Dorset
Interview location
If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an initial interview with Bournemouth and Poole College. If successful, you will be invited to a second interview at the RNLI.
Interview date
RNLI interview will be w/c 20th April
Please state on your application form which trades you would like to be considered for (in order of preference).
E.g. 1. Electrical, 2. Boatbuilder
Our lifeboat crews and lifeguards need a dedicated, professional, and talented team behind them to give them lifesaving equipment that will stand up to the most ferocious weather around the UK and Ireland. In 2015 we completed the build of the All-weather Lifeboat Centre (ALC) in Poole so that we can manufacture and maintain lifeboats to the highest of standards. We have now brought our entire All-weather lifeboat refit activity in house after the success of transferring Shannon Class lifeboat production into the ALC. We now have predictable work for years to come.
This is an exceptional opportunity for four highly motivated individuals to undertake a four-year apprenticeship at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre (ALC) in Poole, commencing in September 2026. Our apprentices work alongside experienced Technicians on all classes of Lifeboat and associated plant.
We are currently seeking four apprentices across two different trades (marine electrical and boat building), but you are only required to complete one application form indicating which trade(s) you would like to be considered for in order of preference. During the four-year programme, you will work towards completing the new style standards-based apprenticeship. You will attend Bournemouth & Poole College for your off-the-job training.
You will ideally hold at least three GCSEs (grade 4 or above, or equivalent) including Maths, English, and Science, but this is not essential.
Please see below for further information on our different trades.
Apprentice – Electrical x1
During your apprenticeship you will learn about assembling, installing, repairing, modifying, diagnosing, and maintaining all types of electrical equipment and systems.
Apprentice – Boat Builder x3
During your apprenticeship you will gain job specific skills, understanding engineering drawings, lofting to build plug and moulds, understanding of composite materials, assembling, installation, repairing, modifying, maintaining.
Come and join us to build your career at this centre of excellence and help save lives at sea.
As part of your apprenticeship, you will be required to attend Bournemouth and Poole College on a block release.
