Fleet Apprenticeship
Ausbildung zum Schifffahrtskaufmann /-frau (m/w/d), Fachrichtung Trampfahrt
Become part of Oldendorff's Fleet team
- Location
- Germany (Hamburg & Lübeck)
- Language
- German & English
Applications for the February 2027 Fleet intake are open until 15 November 2026
Meet Your Future Career
Have you ever watched a large vessel cross the horizon and wondered where it was going, what it was carrying or what it takes to keep it moving?
If you’re curious about ships, technology and how things work, start your journey towards becoming a Fleet professional.
Join Oldendorff’s Fleet team and gain first-hand insight into how vessels are managed safely and efficiently, and how teamwork ashore supports every voyage at sea.
What You'll Experience
Through a combination of hands-on workplace learning and vocational school, you’ll build a broad understanding of Fleet management. Your main rotations will take you through Fleet Technical, QHSE, Procurement and Crewing, complemented by school blocks and shorter placements in other commercial areas across Oldendorff. You’ll also visit one of our vessels and work onboard as part of your training.
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Start
Fleet Technical
8–9 months
-
Vocational school
1.5 months
-
QHSE
3 months
-
Vocational school
1.5 months
-
Procurement
3 months
-
Vocational school
1.5 months
-
Crewing
3 months
-
Operations
1 month
-
Chartering
1 month
-
Special Projects
1 month
-
Vocational school
1.5 months
-
End
Sailing on board
2–3 months
-
Start
Fleet Technical
8–9 months
-
Vocational school
1.5 months
-
QHSE
3 months
-
Vocational school
1.5 months
-
Procurement
3 months
-
Vocational school
1.5 months
-
Crewing
3 months
-
Operations
1 month
-
Chartering
1 month
-
Special Projects
1 month
-
Vocational school
1.5 months
-
End
Sailing on board
2–3 months
- Office locations
- Hamburg & Lübeck
- Vocational school
- Hamburg, subject to approval, or Kiel
- Program length
- 2.5–3 years
Please note: The timeline shows the main elements of the apprenticeship. The order and duration of rotations, school blocks and sailing experience may change.
What You'll Do
You’ll learn how vessels are managed, maintained and supported safely and efficiently from ashore. Across Fleet Technical, QHSE, Procurement and Crewing, you’ll explore how different systems, specialists and decisions work together to keep a global fleet running.
Working alongside experienced colleagues, you’ll contribute to real tasks, ask questions and gradually take greater responsibility. You’ll also work with people from different backgrounds and areas of expertise, gaining first-hand insight into the teamwork behind every voyage.
Who We're Looking For
You’re genuinely interested in ships, technology and how complex systems work together. You enjoy asking thoughtful questions, taking on practical challenges and getting to the bottom of problems. You work carefully, take responsibility and follow through on what you start. You’re also comfortable approaching different people and know when to work independently and when to ask for support.
This path is for you if…
- You want to understand how vessels are managed and supported from ashore
- You enjoy learning how technical systems and different departments work together
- You take ownership and approach tasks carefully and reliably
- You like solving practical problems and bringing forward ideas
- You enjoy working with people from different backgrounds and areas of expertise
Requirements
- You meet the educational requirements for the apprenticeship
- You have the required level of German for vocational school and workplace training
- You can communicate effectively in English
Ready to Apply?
Applications for the February 2027 Fleet intake are open until 15 November 2026.
This is the only planned Fleet intake for 2027.
Our selection process may include online assessments, interviews and selection activities, giving you the opportunity to showcase your motivation, strengths and potential for a career in Fleet. At the same time, you’ll get to know Oldendorff, the Fleet team and the role before the final decision is made.
