Apprenticeships- Dales Marine

Where can I apply?

Click Here to apply for 2026 intake.

An Apprenticeship with us is the perfect way to continue your education at the same time as enjoying a competitive salary.

You can choose from two programmes: Steelwork & Fabrication or Mechanical Engineering

As an apprentice , you will:

Split your time between on-site work and college, gaining practical experience while working towards a recognised qualification
Complete your apprenticeship over a period of up to 4 years
Have support from an experienced mentor
You will normally become a employee of Dales Marine

Why Dales Marine?

We take pride in our well-established apprenticeship programme, which has been successfully running for over 20 years.

Many of our apprentices have gone on to secure full-time positions with us upon completing their training.

Our Programme

An apprenticeship at Dales Marine is a paid opportunity that provides valuable hands-on experience, allowing you to work directly alongside industry experts with years of practical knowledge.

You'll gain real-world skills in a professional environment, learning from seasoned professionals who are passionate about passing on their expertise to the next generation.

“At Dales Marine, we are deeply committed to investing in the future of the maritime industry. Our apprenticeship programme has been a great success, providing young talent with hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and career pathways. We look forward to further growing the programme and guiding the next generation as they develop their skills and begin their careers at Dales Marine.”

Kevin Paterson

Chief Executive Officer, Dales Marine Services

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see our apprentices grow over the years into confident, skilled professionals who contribute meaningfully to our team and the wider maritime sector. We look forward to welcoming new apprentices after our 2026 programme.”

Billy Pollock

Operations Manager

Success Stories

Greg Brimner

"I started out at Dales in 2018 as an Apprentice Welder/Fabricator. I am now Assistant Project Lead.

My 4 years as an apprentice was a great learning curve. I got to work with people who supported me, challenged me, and helped me grow. I went from knowing nothing about the industry and having little skills to knowing the ins and outs of the job, feeling confident in my abilities, and being trusted with real responsibility. Now I’m in a role I never thought I’d be ready for, and it all started with that apprenticeship.

Gary Norrie

"I began my apprenticeship at Dales Marine Services back in 2006. I still remember walking into the facility as a 17 year-old and being immediately drawn by the hive of activity, the energy and environment.

Over the years, I’ve gained extensive knowledge and developed a strong practical skill set in an industry that plays a vital role in our everyday lives, particularly within the marine, oil, and gas sectors.

Now, 19 years later, I’ve built a fulfilling career here and proudly hold the position of Project Manager.

I can confidently say that an apprenticeship at Dales is an excellent way to begin a career filled with challenges, and rewarding opportunities."

Wayne Gibbins

“I joined Dales straight out of school as an Apprentice Welder/Plater in the workshop. I didn’t have much experience at the start, but I was eager to learn. With the help of a great team and plenty of hands-on training, I built up my skills and took on more responsibility over time.

Now I’m proud to have progressed my career within the company, where I've held roles including Chargehand, Workshop Supervisor, QC, and Project Lead. Right now, I am Assistant Operations Manager, leading the same kind of projects I used to learn on. For anyone thinking about an apprenticeship, it’s a solid foundation - not just for a job, but for a career you can grow in.”

Amy Douglas

"I started at Dales in 2024 as an Apprentice Mechanical Engineer, I am currently in second year of my apprenticeship.

The past year has been a really good experience for me, I have learned so much and am still learning every day. You will start at the same time as a couple other apprentices which helps settle you in. An apprenticeship at Dales is definitely something I’d recommend to anyone leaving school who wants to get hands-on experience, grow their skills, and be part of a supportive team."

Apprentice Journeys: Interviews with Findlay Mackintosh our Mechanical Engineer Apprentice and Powering Futures for Scottish Apprenticeship Week

This video highlights what Findlay values most about his role as a mechanical engineering apprentice at Dales Marine Services. He explains that one of the key benefits is the variety of work involved. With a wide range of tasks and projects, no two days are the same, allowing him to continually learn and develop new skills in a practical, hands-on environment.

Findlay shares why he chose to pursue an apprenticeship with Dales Marine Services, where he first came across the opportunity, and how the role connects to what he studied at academy.

Findlay shares that Dales is a large company with many people, which gives you the sense of being part of a true team something that makes working here so enjoyable..

Apprentice Journeys: Interviews with Lucas Allan our Health & Safety Trainee and Powering Futures for Scottish Apprenticeship Week

Lucas shares what he believes is the most important part of the job, including ensuring that everyone understands their tasks and the importance of permits. He also talks about what he enjoys most about his role.

Lucas reflects on his time at school, where he worked hard to achieve good results and prepare for sixth year. He explains that although he received an offer to go to university, he decided to take a different path after seeing Dales advertised and already having some familiarity with the company through his father, who worked as a Contractor within Dales Marine Services. He also attended a careers fair before leaving school, where he spoke with Charlie Connaghan, our Health & Safety Advisor, who then put him in touch with the Health & Safety Manager. After two interviews, he was offered the role.

Reflecting on his experience at Dales, Lucas highlights how he has benefited from the role, noting the fast-paced environment and the variety of work involved.

Apprenticeships

Dales Marine Services run an Apprenticeship Programme every year, read to below to find out more.