Apprentice Marine Services Crew

Job Description

Location: Targe Towing, Hawes Pier

Job Title: Apprentice Marine Services Crew

Location: Hawes Pier, South Queensferry

Compensation: £17,000

Start Date: August 2026

At Forth Ports, we keep trade, logistics, and infrastructure moving. Our emerging talent roles are central to this mission, developing the skills that power our economy and connect communities across the country.

Targe Towing, who are part of Forth Ports, provide Harbour and Terminal towage, and associated marine services, specialising in supporting vessel movements associated with the offshore wind industry and other complex towage projects.

Joining our apprenticeship programme means gaining hands‑on experience in a dynamic, forward‑thinking environment, while developing skills that matter for life and career. You’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact, helping businesses thrive, supporting the smooth operation of our ports, and contributing to projects that shape the UK’s infrastructure and renewable energy future. With our commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero by 2042, we’re investing heavily in sustainable and digital technologies including major growth in offshore wind and greener port operations.

For you, this means joining a business that’s evolving, ambitious, and making a real difference.

At Forth Ports, our people are at the core of everything that we do and we are proud of our Gold accredited membership of The 5% Club, a milestone recognising our long‑term commitment to developing emerging talent across the business. As we continue to invest through high‑quality “earn and learn” opportunities, whether you’re starting out, changing direction or returning after time away, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re offering individuals the opportunity to develop their skills and progress their careers through our Marine Services Crew apprenticeship. Over two years, you’ll gain practical experience, build specialist knowledge, and work towards a recognised qualification, Maritime Occupations at SCQF Level 5, and complete an SVQ in Port Operations.

We will hold interviews for this role on in March at Hawes Pier in South Queensferry where you will have the chance to meet some of the team and to find out more about the role and the apprenticeship. We will be in touch before then to let you know if you have been selected to attend.

As a Marine Services Crew apprentice with Targe Towing Ltd, you will gain hands‑on experience working across the company’s Marine Services vessels, including SKUA, CORMORANT, GANNET and FOWLER. You will develop practical skills in small boat handling, mooring line operations, and securing vessels to piers and buoys, while learning the importance of safe and efficient marine operations. The apprenticeship will also train you in routine planned maintenance, vessel husbandry and housekeeping, and weather monitoring to support day‑to‑day operations.

You will actively participate in emergency drills and exercises, building confidence in safety procedures and teamwork  addition, you will complete commercially endorsed training, including the Advanced Powerboat Level 2 qualification, providing a strong foundation for a career in the marine industry.

• Structured learning and development pathway linked to your personal and professional growth, supporting long‑term career progression
• Competitive starting salary with regular reviews to recognise your performance and development
• Discretionary group bonus
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 34 days including bank holidays
• Defined contribution pension scheme with up to 16.5% joint contribution plus life assurance at 4x salary
• Health promotion events and employee wellbeing initiatives to support your physical and mental wellbeing
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing free, confidential 24/7 telephone support for you and your family
• On‑site Occupational Health Team with access to professional support and referrals to services such as counselling, physiotherapy and free flu jabs
• An annual Christmas thank you gift of a complimentary turkey or meat‑free…