Hutchison Ports Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Scheme

A new career is waiting for you with Hutchison Ports UK

Hutchison Ports UK is investing in the future by recruiting for maintenance technician apprenticeship roles within its engineering department. Working with Colchester Institute, apprentices will receive training on a specialised three-year advanced manufacturing programme at the college’s Colchester Campus.

For the first year apprentices will be based on campus, followed by 2 years of on-site training at their selected location, with weekly day release to the college.

As part of the Engineering Team, apprentices will work on live projects and state-of-the-art operational equipment, introducing them to the engineering requirements of the UK’s leading ports.

Responsibilities will encompass the maintenance and repair of over 200 internal tractor and trailer units, including a growing electric vehicle fleet, autonomous trucks, and numerous quayside and mobile yard cranes.

With unrivalled rail and road links connecting to distribution hubs in the Midlands and the wider country, Hutchison Ports UK plays a pivotal role in keeping the UK’s trade moving by delivering tangible benefits to customers, the community and the industry.

Global Leaders in Port Operations

Hutchison Ports is the world’s largest port investor, developer and operator, operating in 53 ports across 24 countries throughout Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Americas and Australasia.

Hutchison Ports has an unparalleled track record of investment in British ports and the distribution industry.

The Engineering Departments at Hutchison Ports UK

Hutchison Ports’ Engineering Department is a vital part of the wheel that keeps Britain moving. There is more to the ports than just moving containers. The Engineering team is responsible for the maintenance and repair of over 200 internal tractor and trailer units, a growing electric vehicle fleet, autonomous trucks, 28 quayside cranes, some towering over 70 metres high and 82 mobile yard cranes capable of lifting 36 ton. The ports’ equipment includes the latest remote technology, such as fibre optically controlled cranes and rail-mounted yard cranes, and RoRo linkspan bridges and passenger boarding bridges.

Training facilities at Colchester Institute

Training will take place at Colchester Institute’s Colchester Campus. Apprentices will study full-time during the first year and on a day-release basis for years 2 and 3.

As engineers, you will have the opportunity to work across various areas of the business, engaging with innovative technologies such as automation, as well as managing both planned and reactive maintenance.  The 2025 cohort will start on £25,394 as a first-year apprentice, which increases each year of the programme.

This is a 3-year, Level 3 Apprenticeship Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, where apprentices will;

• Work on projects with state-of-the-art equipment
• Gain practical, hands-on experience in all areas of engineering
• Develop a broad knowledge of all port operations, including external and internal customers
• Gain a professional apprenticeship qualification
• Have access to generous employee benefits and career opportunities

Essential Requirements:

• In line with industry Code of Practice, successful applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old prior to the apprenticeship commencing in September 2025
• Maths and English GSCEs Level 4 (C) or above

Desirable:

• GCSE Level 3 – Science
• Additional experience in an Engineering Subject or work experience

Apprentices will benefit from invaluable work experience, a competitive salary and on-the-job professional training to support their career progression. For those already working within the industry and would like to extend their learning experience or are looking for a new career, this may be the perfect opportunity to grow and develop within a global organisation.

For those interested in joining the scheme, an information evening at Colchester Institute’s Colchester Campus will take place on Thursday 21st November 6pm start. Book your place using the form below.