Comms Specialist (Submariner)

Contents

• Summary
• Work
• Training
• Requirements
• About this employer
• After this apprenticeship
• Ask a question

Summary

As an Engineering Technician Communications and Information Systems Specialist (Submariner) you'll be part of the elite Silent Service and a central member of your vessel’s engineering team. Using ultramodern radio and satellite systems to communicate with off-vessel command, you’re key to tactical and strategic communications.

Wage: £20,400 a year

Check minimum wage rates

• A £5,000 bonus on being awarded your Dolphins – the mark of a qualified Submariner

• Additional Submariner pay each day at sea once you’re qualified

• Excellent non-contributory pension scheme – we pay into it for you, so you don’t have to.

Training course: Maritime mechanical and electrical mechanic (level 2)

Hours: Shifts to be confirmed.

40 hours a week

Start date: Tuesday 2 June 2026

Duration: 3 years

Positions available: 70

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

• Work on vessels at the forefront of our nation’s defence: a Vanguard class ballistic missile submarine (our nuclear deterrent) or an Astute class attack submarine
• Using cutting-edge comms kit, you’ll be handling extremely confidential data, including highly classified intelligence and personally sensitive crewmate information
• Operate, maintain, diagnose and repair global communication systems, to guarantee the safe transmission of information
• Find a solution to whichever problem comes your way, working with your team in challenging environments and high-pressure situations

Where you'll work

Navy Command HQ
The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO2 8BY

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

ROYAL NAVY

Training course

Maritime mechanical and electrical mechanic (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Comply with quality, safety, health and environmental regulations.
• Read, analyse and interpret engineering data, drawings and documentation used in the operation and maintenance procedures.
• Use hand and power tools to measure, mark out, cut, drill, shape and finish components to the required engineering tolerances.
• Assembly, removal, maintenance and overhaul components, equipment and systems.
• Apply assembly and installation methods and techniques (such as mechanical fasteners, terminations, connectors, seals, gaskets, and jointing materials).
• Undertake testing, inspection and diagnostic activities on components, equipment and systems, making adjustments where applicable
• Comply with correct entry procedures and precautions for confined spaces.

Training schedule

- By the end of your apprenticeship you will be a qualified Comms Specialist (Submariner)-Maritime Mechanical & Electrical Mechanic Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard

- Functional Skills in English and maths if required

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

Math and English (grade GCSE Level C/4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience

Other requirements

We recruit throughout the year, so please ignore Key Dates. To find out more information including eligibility to join, and to begin your application please call into one of our Careers offices or visit the Royal Navy Recruitment website.

About this employer

The Royal Navy (RN) is responsible for the protection of British interests at home and around the World. 95% of all world trade passes through the high seas and every year Britain imports £524 billion worth of goods.
The RN takes an active part in the protection of British Shipping. Around the United Kingdom the RN protects vital fishing stocks by monitoring fishing activities in our waters.
We recruit throughout the year, so please ignore Key Dates

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers

After this apprenticeship

- You’ll start your naval career as an Able Rate. With experience and further training, you could be promoted to Leading Hand and beyond. If you show the right commitment, skills and academic ability, you could become a Commissioned Officer. Members of the Royal Navy are promoted on merit. Work hard and you can rise through the ranks

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ROYAL NAVY

The reference code for this apprenticeship is
VAC1000255381.

Apply now

Closes on Monday 1 June 2026

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