DML Devonport Careers - What we search for

Marine Engineering Apprenticeships

If you're unsure which career direction to take - why not earn as you learn with DML. We can offer you a fantastic opportunity to learn a trade and develop your career whilst earning a good wage.

Starting a fully accredited apprenticeship with the largest commercial employer in Devon and Cornwall means one thing - opportunity. As a constantly diversifying modern company, DML can offer you a range of choices and extensive support as you progress along your chosen career path.

Marine Pipefitter

As a Marine Pipefitter you will manufacture pipes, from drawings, in a wide range of materials and sizes. You will also weld and braze. You will face daily challenges, because rarely are two pipes the same. There is an enormous variety in the complexity of the shapes and manufacturing techniques involved. You will work with a range of materials from plastic to stainless steel and the pipes you will manufacture will range in size from just a few millimetres to 600mm or more in diameter. As a Marine Pipefitter you will create a pipe from scratch and have the satisfaction of seeing it take its place in complex locations, such as on frigates, nuclear submarines and state of the art superyachts.

Mechanical Fitter

If you enjoy taking machines apart, fixing them and then putting them back together, this is the job for you. Working on engines, pumps, guns, torpedo firing systems and complex hydraulic systems, you'll mainly be involved in their installation and repair. Having been trained to use many types of hand and machine tools you may even make the replacement parts yourself. You'll learn how to operate a range of specialist equipment such as lathes and milling machines as well as how to read and interpret drawings and work instructions. You'll also realise the importance of completing work to appropriate time, cost and quality standards in a safe and controlled manner.

Electrical Fitter

As an electrical fitter you will acquire all the necessary skills to remove, repair and re-install electrical machinery and equipment from nuclear submarines, surface ships, luxury yachts and lifeboats. This will involve reading and understanding engineering drawings and procedures. You will also work on DML's extensive site, maintaining electrical systems and carrying out installations according to current regulations. You will attend the college of further education to study for either a city and guilds or a BTEC qualification and complete a marine engineering NVQ.

Fabricator

As a fabricator you'll be involved in a large variety of tasks from the construction of lifeboats and superyachts to the repair of submarines and surface ships. Working mainly with steel and aluminium, but also using timber and composite materials, you'll manufacture a wide range of components such as lockers and ventilation trunking for warships. You'll also work onboard ships, fitting-out compartments and carrying out structural repairs. You'll learn how to prepare materials by welding, cutting and shaping, using appropriate equipment and techniques. You'll also be taught how to give your work the quality finish it deserves.

Outfitter

As an outfitter you will make ships' furniture and fittings from timber and other modern composite materials. You'll be taught to use both traditional joinery skills and modern techniques in order to fit-out many different types of vessels, including those where a very high standard of finish is required.

Painter

As a Painter you will apply various types of coatings to many different surfaces in a wide range of locations. Using brush, roller or spray methods you will achieve high-class finishes in both purpose built workshops and on board vessels. You will use traditional skills such as free hand signwriting, gilding, graining, filling and fairing etc. as well as more modern techniques involving computer generated signs. You will have extensive knowledge of paint materials and understand the causes of corrosion and ways to prevent it.

Welder

As a Welder you will have a nationally recognised qualification or equivalent. This will have been achieved through staged learning which will have built on your skills in a range of joint configurations, processes and materials. You will gain welding experience and learn new techniques in our Welding Training Facility as well as working in the production environment in fabrication shops and on projects such as superyachts, frigates and nuclear submarines.

Whichever discipline you choose to work in, you'll enjoy exposure to a wide variety of engineering projects. During the apprenticeship, placements on projects last from 3 - 6 months. From day one, you'll receive full training and support from our highly experienced staff as well as academic training and support from the College of Further Education. Whilst working towards City and Guilds and NVQ qualifications, you'll have every opportunity to prove yourself and show us what you're made of. There are also opportunities to pursue higher education qualifications.

Achieving a grade C or above in GCSE Maths, English and Engineering/Science/Manufacturing could be your first step towards career success and satisfaction.

To apply, please look at our current vacancies.

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Download the DML Apprentice Brochure (PDF 2209kb)