Skip to main content

Royal Marines officer apprenticeships

Emergency and uniform services | Government services

Royal Marines officer apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • applying directly to the Royal Navy
  • volunteering


    • Volunteering

    You can join the Royal Marines Reserve as an entry officer to get experience of life in the service and to learn new skills at the same time. You'll need to be aged between 16 and 42, or 16 and 56 if you're an ex-regular. If you're between 13 and 18 years old, you can join the Royal Marines Cadets.

    Direct Application

    You can apply directly for marines officer training. You'll need to be: 

    • aged between 18 and 25 
    • at least 151.5cm tall (no limit for women) 
    • physically fit 
    You'll also usually need a minimum of: 

    • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths 
    • 2 A-Levels or equivalent 
    If your initial application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to someone at your local armed forces careers office about what you want to do. This is followed by assessments, which include medical and fitness checks. If you get through the first stages, you may be offered a place on a 4-day Potential Officers Course that includes basic training and further assessments.

    If successful, you'll go onto a full officer training programme. You will complete a Chartered Management Institute qualification in Management and Leadership during training. You may take other qualifications depending on which specialism you choose to follow. You will need to pass physical fitness assessment, including swimming, to be accepted into the Royal Navy. 


    Royal Marines officer apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • leadership skills to manage and motivate commandos 
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • thinking and reasoning skills for making quick decisions
    • persistence and determination 
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations 
    • concentration skills 
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure 
    • the ability to work well with others 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to: 

    • meet the Royal Marines officer nationality and residency rules
    • have a good level of fitness 
    • pass a medical check
    • pass enhanced background checks
    • pass security checks

    Royal Marines officer apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    Depending on your specialism, you could: 

    • plan and lead beach assaults 
    • oversee radio communications 
    • be in charge of weapons deployment and tactics
    • advise on the use of small arms and train snipers 
    • carry out special missions 
    • lead and instruct commando troops in mountain exercises 
    • collect, co-ordinate and interpret intelligence reports
    • fly aircraft and helicopters 
    • develop and supervise training 
    • deal with administration, planning and logistics
    Working environment
    You could work on a ship, in a warzone or at a military base. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and outdoors in all weathers. You may need to wear protective clothing and a uniform.

    Career path and progression - Royal Marines officer apprenticeships

    After 26 months you will be promoted to captain and then on to the higher ranks. You could move into other careers once you leave the marines, depending on the skills, training and qualifications you've gained during your service. 

    Similar occupations







    You might be interested in these opportunities.

    Fire Emergency and Security Systems Technician Apprenticeship

    • Fire, Emergency and Security
    • 272.00 p/w
    • Advanced Level 3
    • Marston Green, Birmingham

    West Midlands
    Fire Emergency and Security Systems Technician Apprenticeship

    Would you like to be responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of electronic systems in and outside simple and complex premises to protect individuals, homes and properties from risk and danger. This JTL delivered Apprenticeship will teach you.

    More Info & Apply
    Fire emergency and security systems technician apprenticeship

    • Fire, Emergency and Security
    • 317.25 p/w
    • Advanced Level 3
    • Birmingham

    West Midlands
    Fire emergency and security systems technician apprenticeship

    Would you like to be responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of electronic systems in and outside simple and complex premises to protect individuals, homes and properties from risk and danger. This JTL delivered Apprenticeship will teach you.

    More Info & Apply
    Fire & Security Apprenticeship

    • Fire, Emergency and Security
    • 223.60 p/w
    • Advanced Level 3
    • Witney

    Oxfordshire
    Fire & Security Apprenticeship

    Would you like to be responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of electronic systems in and outside simple and complex premises to protect individuals, homes and properties from risk and danger. This JTL delivered Apprenticeship will teach you.

    More Info & Apply
    Fire, Security & Emergency Technician Apprenticeship Technician

    • Fire, Emergency and Security
    • 200.00 p/w
    • Advanced Level 3
    • Moses Winter Way

    Oxfordshire
    Fire, Security & Emergency Technician Apprenticeship Technician

    Would you like to be responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of electronic systems in and outside simple and complex premises to protect individuals, homes and properties from risk and danger. This JTL delivered Apprenticeship will teach you.

    More Info & Apply

    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £4.30 an hour, but we’ve seen some apprentices earn over £25,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

    Start searching for Apprenticeships Near You

    Cyber Essentials
    © 2021 GetMyFirstJob Ltd.

    Your first steps into the world of work for Apprenticeships, Degree Apprenticeships, Work Experience & Graduate Jobs