Start your maritime career on board a global fleet. As a ship mechanic apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience at sea, work in an international crew, and take responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of modern container vessels. From day one, you combine technical learning with real-world application across global trade routes.
Next start date: 1 January 2027.
You are interested in maritime operations and would enjoy working in an international team? You have a strong interest in technical systems and are willing to take responsibility?
As a ship mechanic apprentice, you will be part of the crew on our container vessels worldwide and contribute to the smooth operation of the ship.
Your tasks include:
- Maintenance work in the engine room and on deck
- Watchkeeping duties in the engine room and on the bridge
- Preservation and painting work
- Mooring operations during berthing and unberthing
- Monitoring cargo operations in port
- Ordering and storing spare parts
- Participation in safety drills
- Further training content is available in the
apprenticeship flyer
.
- Before the official start, you and your family will be invited to an information day in Hamburg approximately six weeks in advance. Trainees and experienced seafarers will provide insights into life on board.
- You will begin with an introductory week in Hamburg, where you will meet your future colleagues and trainers and learn more about Hapag-Lloyd.
- The technical training starts with a two-week basic safety course (firefighting and rescue) at a maritime vocational school. This is followed by:
- The first of three twelve-week vocational school blocks
- A three-week basic metal training course
- After a short break, you will join one of our training vessels together with 13 other trainees and two dedicated training officers. There, you will learn the fundamentals of ship operations and continue your technical training.
- You will then complete individual voyages lasting two to four months, either alone or with another trainee. These phases alternate with vacation periods and vocational school training.
- Intermediate secondary school certificate, technical college entrance qualification, or university entrance qualification
- Strong skills in mathematics, physics, and English
- Medical fitness for sea service (deck and engine dutie)
- High level of commitment, even under demanding conditions
- Practical and technical skills
- Duration of training: 3 years
- Start of training: January or August
- Application period: Approximately 12 months in advance
- Vocational school: Martitimes Kompetenzzentrum Elsfleth or Seemännische Berufsschule Travemünde
- Training flyer
After completing the apprenticeship, the next step is typically a six-semester degree in:
- Nautical Science (career path to Captain)
- Marine Engineering (career path to Chief Engineer)
With a university entrance qualification, you can start directly. Without it, an additional year at a technical school is required. Alternatively, a two-year maritime school followed by a two-year university program is possible.
After graduation, your career begins on board as:
- Watch Officer (Nautical)
- 3rd or 2nd Engineer (Technical)
With further sea service experience, you will obtain certifications for:
- Chief Officer / Second Technical Officer
Following additional experience, you can qualify for:
- Captain (Unlimited)
- Chief Engineer
Certifications are issued by the German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency.