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The Royal Navy - Writer (Submariner) Business Administrator Apprenticeship

Royal Navy · Portsmouth · posted 9 July 2026

Wage
£20,400 a year
Hours
40 hours a week
Duration
1 Year 6 Months
Level
Advanced (Level 3)
Standard
Business administrator (level 3)
Starts
2 August 2030
Closing date
1 August 2030
Positions
70

Apply on the official government service →No Apprentice League account needed — we never gate applications.

Become an essential part of the behind-the-scenes team who ensure your crewmates have everything they need – from your fellow ratings to your Captain.

  • You’ll run an extremely tight HR operation, no matter where you are in the world – and regardless of the pressures of the operation you’re deployed on.
  • As a submariner, you’ll make a vital contribution to highly classified missions all over the world, part of the team that’s at the vanguard of our nation’s defence.
  • But first and foremost, you’re a Submariner, part of the highly trained, elite Silent Service. You’ll do everything from steering the submarine and damage control training, to delivering special forces behind enemy lines. It’s about as far from a ‘desk job’ as you can get.

Your training

Business Administrator Standard (Level 3), delivered through training with the Royal Navy.

Functional Skills in English and maths if required.

Where it leads

Once you have completed your training, you will be Writer (Submariner) (Business Administrator).

You’ll start your naval career as an Able Rate. With experience and further training, you could be promoted to Leading Hand and beyond.

Training and development continue throughout your career with the Royal Navy. It takes place in two distinct environments: at onshore training facilities and on-board operational ships. When you join you complete 10 weeks of basic naval training, followed by 16 weeks of specialist training focussing on:

  • Pay and accounting
  • Personnel management and discipline matters
  • Correspondence
  • Security
  • Office procedures
  • Cash handling

After successfully completing your professional training, you will stay another four months at HMS Raleigh in the Submarine School. You’ll learn about submarine operations, including warfare, weapons, nuclear propulsion, and escape training, and go to sea in a submarine. After that, there’ll be a test to check your knowledge. When you pass, you’ll earn your ‘Dolphins’ – the coveted badge of a qualified Submariner.

If you show the right commitment, skills and academic ability, you could become a Commissioned Officer. Members of the Royal Navy are promoted on merit. Work hard and you can rise through the ranks.

About Royal Navy

The Royal Navy (RN) is responsible for the protection of British interests at home and around the World. 95% of all world trade passes through the high seas and every year Britain imports £524 billion worth of goods. The RN takes an active part in the protection of British Shipping. Around the United Kingdom the RN protects vital fishing stocks by monitoring fishing activities in our waters. We recruit throughout the year, so please ignore Key Dates

Things to consider

The Royal Navy will give you skills. We’ll develop your abilities, train you to be the best, show you how to achieve your goals and give you recognised qualifications.

Skills they're looking for

Communication skillsIT skillsAttention to detailOrganisation skillsCustomer care skillsProblem solving skillsPresentation skillsAdministrative skillsNumber skillsAnalytical skillsLogicalTeam workingCreativeInitiativeNon judgementalPatience

Entry requirements

  • GCSE Math and English (grade GCSE Level C/4) — desired

Where you'll work

  • Navy Command HQ, The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO2 8BY

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