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Oceanographer apprenticeships

Physical scientists > Oceanographer

Environment and land | Science and research

Oceanographer apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course


    • University

    You can study for a degree in oceanography or a related subject, like: 

    • ocean science 
    • geology 
    • biology 
    • chemistry 
    • environmental science 
    Employers are increasingly looking for postgraduate qualifications, like a master's or PhD. They also value experience of working in marine science or oceanography research. You can get experience through: 

    • studying for a degree that includes a year in industry with a research organisation
    • a placement or internship in a laboratory or marine research centre 
    You'll usually need: 

    • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science 
    • 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science 
    • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study 

    Oceanographer apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • knowledge of geography 
    • maths knowledge 
    • knowledge of sociology and anthropology for understanding society and culture 
    • excellent written communication skills 
    • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software 
    • analytical thinking skills 
    • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

    Oceanographer apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In your day-to-day tasks you may: 

    • plan and carry out research expeditions 
    • manage a research project or lead a team 
    • prepare scientific equipment 
    • design experiments to test your ideas 
    • use equipment to collect samples and data 
    • track changes in the environment 
    • use computers to produce models like maps of the ocean floor 
    • write reports of your research findings 
    • publish and present your findings in education 
    • you may give lectures and lead students on field trips
    Working environment
    You could work in an office or in a laboratory. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often. You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

    Career path and progression - Oceanographer apprenticeships

    You could further your career by taking courses through the Marine Technology Education Consortium, or by networking at events run by the Society for Underwater Technology or the Challenger Society for Marine Science. You could take a PhD through an initiative like the Southampton Partnership for Innovative Training of Future Investigators Researching the Environment (SPITFIRE).

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    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 £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 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!

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