Successful maritime careers are built on strong foundations.
The Warsash Maritime School Pre-Cadetship programmes are designed for individuals aged 16 years and over who would like to pursue a career at sea as a maritime officer, but do not yet have the skills or academic qualifications to apply for an officer cadet training programme.
Leading to recognised qualifications at Level 2 and Level 3, the one- or two-year programmes are delivered on a full-time basis by our partner colleges – currently Brockenhurst College in Hampshire, England, and Pembrokeshire College in Wales.
On successful completion of a college programme, pre-cadets will be ready to progress to a variety of further and higher-level studies including officer cadet training at Warsash Maritime School.
The Warsash Maritime School Pre-Cadetship at Brockenhurst College
The well-established pre-cadetship programmes at Brockenhurst College comprise a one-year full-time Level 2 pre-cadetship for the Merchant Navy Diploma and a one-year full-time Level 3 pre-cadetship for the Merchant Navy Diploma.
Pre-cadets at the College complete units covering the three main cadetship pathways: Deck Officer, Marine Engineering Officer, and Marine Electro-Technical Officer. This provides a solid career foundation and enables you to decide on a future specialism. Classes feature a combination of practical and theoretical learning and include visits to ships and shipyards, plus employer engagement visits and opportunities to visit Warsash Maritime School. Importantly, you will be encouraged to grow as an individual and develop the excellent interpersonal and communication skills required to become an officer in the Merchant Navy.
Both programmes are delivered at the College’s purpose-built marine and maritime facility at Marchwood, on the Solent, near Southampton. This facility features a realistic working environment thanks to learning assets such as industry standard workshops. All training is delivered by a team of carefully selected lecturers and industry experts with specific professional experience.
Find out more and apply directly to Brockenhurst College
The Warsash Maritime School Pre-Cadetship at Pembrokeshire College
This unique two-year, full-time programme at Level 2/3 is the only maritime pre-cadetship available in Wales. It blends practical and theoretical studies in marine engineering and maritime disciplines, leading to a City & Guilds 7682-20 NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations and a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering. Additionally, pre-cadets gain valuable industry experience through a five-week work placement with marine engineering firms or related companies.
If you study this programme, you will benefit from a series of enrichment activities alongside your core studies including funded visits and industry engagement with course sponsors the Reardon Smith Nautical Trust and Milford Haven Port Authority; visits to Warsash Maritime School; and additional qualifications and certificates such as RYA Powerboat, VHF Radio Short Range Certificate, Marine Diesel Maintenance and RYA First Aid for Mariners.
The programme is delivered at the College’s £4.2 million Engineering facility on the main campus at Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.
Find out more and apply directly to Pembrokeshire College
What can I do after completing a pre-cadetship?
Successful completion of a pre-cadetship provides the perfect foundation for maritime officer cadet training at the HND, foundation degree or full honours degree level. If you meet our entry criteria, you will be eligible for direct progression onto the Warsash Maritime School officer cadet training programme, and we will also help you to secure a company sponsor.
With us, you will be able to continue your training to qualify as a deck (navigation) officer, marine engineering officer, or marine electro-technical officer. Each option offers an adventurous lifestyle and exciting and well-paid career prospects on superyachts or Merchant Navy vessels.
Our three-year, fully funded programmes combine extensive professional training with sea-time, academic qualifications, and professional certification. You can find out more at one of our maritime open days where you’ll also be able to meet the representatives of company sponsors which employ officer cadets in training.
Pre-cadets seeking alternative progression, may choose to study other higher education qualifications, pursue an apprenticeship or seek employment.