The Royal Navy - Writer (Submariner) Business Administrator Apprenticeship

  • Company: Royal Navy
  • Location: Hampshire, PO2 8BY
  • Type: Apprenticeship
  • Salary: £20,400.00 per year
  • Sector: Business and administration
  • Ref: NAS-1000255416
  • Application Deadline Date: 01/06/2026
  • Start Date: 02/06/2026
  • Positions Available: 70
  • Working Week: Shifts to be confirmed, total hours per week: 40.00

Brief Description

As the HR Administrator of a Royal Navy submarine, you’ll make an invaluable contribution to the livelihood of your crew, and most importantly, the security of our nation and reputation of the Submarine Service. You’re in charge of assisting Human Resources, handling legal matters, financial admin, and looking after the welfare of your crewmates.

Training to be Provided

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


Functional Skills in English and maths if required.

Future Prospects

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 this, 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

Vacancy Detail

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.

Other Information

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

Ready to start your adventure?