Engineering Apprenticeship 2026 (Maintenance Technician)

2026 Port of Felixstowe Engineering Apprenticeship Scheme

Making an Impact – Join the team that keeps Britain moving!

Are you looking to find an Apprenticeship scheme to start in September 2026? Want to work for a brand formed by its commitment to innovation and connectivity not just locally but globally? We have the next step for you!

Shaping The Future

Hutchison Ports – Port of Felixstowe is the UK’s largest deep‑water container port and a major gateway for global trade. We are recruiting for apprentices to join one of our many programmes for 2026, with great opportunities across our Technical, Environmental and Business Support functions.  

Let’s Grow Together

You will engage in continuous learning through both formal and on-the-job training securing relevant accreditations through completion of your 3-year apprenticeship. You will be involved in multiple projects and driving opportunity and change within your desired business area. We are committed to YOUR long-term development and will work with you to explore progression opportunities beyond your apprenticeship.

Kick Start Your Journey…

If you are looking for the first steps into YOUR career – what we require from you is as follows:

• Minimum of Level 5 (High C/ C+) in GCSE Maths
• Minimum of Level 4 (C) in GCSE English
• Will hold a Full UK Drivers License by August 2027.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills when dealing with multiple departments with a strong willingness to learn throughout.

You will be required to make your own travel arrangements to Colchester Institute and Port of Felixstowe for the duration of your apprenticeship. 

What’s In It for YOU?

• 3 Year Fixed Term Contract – Starting from September 2026
• Salary currently at £23,891 per annum. This is due to increase, as our apprenticeship salaries fall in line with the National Living Wage, which is released in April 2026
• 24 Day’s Annual Leave
• Perkbox retail discounts, wellbeing content and savings across hundreds of brands.
• EAL Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations
• EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge)
• EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering – Mechatronics Maintenance Technician (Development Competence)
• iMechE Apprenticeship completion certificate with EngTECH status.

Inclusion & Community

Hutchison Ports is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We have the clear goal of driving diversity and inclusion across all dimensions. Together, we are embarking on a journey where each and every one of us, individually and collectively, welcomes and celebrates individual differences. We recognise that  embracing diversity unlocks innovation and creativity and fosters collaboration.

As part of our commitment to creating and developing an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants and encourage discussion about flexible working opportunities. We offer a supportive,  community environment and have recently been awarded Chartered status by Women In Maritime. Our D&I committee oversees multiple employee networks including—Women’s Network, PRIDE, Early Careers, Veterans & Reserves, Disability and Culture.

The Recruitment Process - What is involved?

Our recruitment process has been designed for you to easily apply and highlight the best of your skills, expertise and personal attributes. We want you to be prepared, confident and the best version of you for this role.

• Apply online by 8th March 2026 – share your relevant experience and transferable skills
• Anonymous shortlisting – all identifiable details are removed before hiring managers review applications.
• Face to Face – Colchester Aptitude Testing – Based at Colchester Institute for a few hours, 24th March 2026
• Face to Face – Port of Felixstowe Testing Day – A Day spent with a group of fellow applicants, involving team building exercises and showcasing your strengths on either the 15th or 16th April 2026
• Face to Face – Port of Felixstowe Final Interviews – Interviews conducted by an Engineering Manager, HR Advisor Early Careers and Engineering Training Manager from 27th April through to 1st May 2026.
• Outcome – we aim to update all candidates by May 2026 – for then you to start in September 2026.

Hutchison Ports UK is able to sponsor skilled worker visas in cases where the role fits the requirements set out by the UK government. Please refer to the government website via this link to understand the requirements needed. In cases where a post-study visa is used initially, it may be the case that the skilled worker visa requirements will not be met once this visa has expired.

Hutchison Ports is committed to creating and developing an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants and encourage discussion about flexible working opportunities. We offer a supportive, community environment and have been awarded Chartered status by Women In Maritime. 

Apply today

Bring your commitment, teamwork and drive—and we’ll give you a career, not just a job.