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Trainee programme

Trainee programme

Lighthouse trainee program is a unique collaboration between companies and organizations in the maritime sector that contributes to the supply of skills in the maritime sector in Sweden.

Are you a master student, or recently graduated? Are you curious about the Swedish maritime industry? Do you want to gain a broad understanding of the maritime industry? Do you want to establish a network within the different marine sectors? Are you interested in getting the best possibly start of your successful carrier in the maritime industry? Then you should apply for Lighthouse trainee program! The application for 2026/2027 opens 15th of December 2025 and close 22nd of February 2026.


Participating companies (read more about them the below)


Benefits and contract

The trainees will be given a unique opportunity to gain a broad perspective on the entire shipping industry and an opportunity to test different tasks and companies that are available for their future career choices. Each trainee will work at three or four different companies in different parts of the shipping industry. As a Lighthouse trainee, you will not only have the opportunity to work with relevant tasks in successful shipping organizations in Sweden, but if possible, a period abroad will also be offered.

Individually designed programs

Is there a particular employer you are particularly interested in? Good! To ensure that the trainee program is adapted to each trainee, each trainee is encouraged to make a selection among the participating companies and organizations. The goal is to provide as broad experience and a broad network after completing the trainee program, as well as use each trainee's competence in the best way. The final trainee program is determined by the programme's steering group with regard to the trainee's and employer's needs and the purpose of the trainee program.

Employment

The trainees will have short term employee contract with three or four different employers during the programme.
The salary will be in level with a starting salary for graduates – 40 000 SEK.

Accommodation

The participating companies can be found all over Sweden, and as any employee the trainee is to solve their accommodation at the different sites by themselves. For the working period abroad, the employer will cover the costs for accommodation and travels.

Qualifications

We are looking for talented individuals who have the capacity, ambition and confidence to be a potential future leader in the maritime industry. To be able to make the best out of the trainee programme, the candidates should be flexible enough to cope with a changing work environment and yet structured enough to work independently.

Requirements

  • Master of Science in Naval Architecture or other relevant technical master’s programs in Sweden such as Systems, control and mechatronics, Electric Power Engineering, Applied Mechanics or similar.
  • Excellent knowledge of English, both in speech and writing
  • Maximum one year of work experience after graduation
  • Good communication ability with the ability to network and build relationships

Desired

  • Undergraduate studies in Sweden
  • International experience
  • Proven academic excellence
  • Sufficient knowledge in Swedish to be able to participate in social contexts
  • Additional language from English and Swedish
  • Leadership experience
  • Experience from extracurricular activities such as student associations and sports

Application process

The application period for the trainee programme 2026/2027 2026/2027 is open from December 15 2025 until February 22 2026.

Application shall include:

  • CV
  • Cover letter
  • Examination grades and expected graduation date
  • Letter of recommendation (dedicated to this application)

Make sure that your application defines how you meet the qualifications. The application may be written in Swedish or English. The recruitment committee will invite a number of applicants for an interview.

The recruitment committee will present their proposals for the Lighthouse trainees for the Steering Committee, consisting of management representatives from the participating companies and organisations, to determine the decision. 

Please send your application to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., label the application with “Application Lighthouse Trainee program 2026/2027” no later than the 22nd of February 2026. 

Alfa Laval

Alfa Laval is a global industrial company with a strong foundation in marine and maritime technology. The company develops and delivers solutions in heat transfer, separation and flow management, with the aim of increasing energy efficiency, reducing environmental impact and improving operational safety for ships and offshore installations. Within the marine sector, Alfa Laval is a leading supplier of systems for, among other things: fuel handling, exhaust gas treatment, ballast water treatment, heat recovery and water treatment.

The company's solutions are used globally by shipping companies, shipyards and operators to meet increased demands for sustainability, efficiency and regulatory compliance. Alfa Laval has a long tradition of engineering expertise and conducts extensive research and development in close collaboration with customers and academia. With a clear focus on energy transition and circular solutions, the company actively contributes to the development of more climate-neutral and resource-efficient shipping systems.

Location: Stockholm

Berg Propulsion

Berg Propulsion is a Swedish technology company specializing in propulsion systems for ships. The company offers complete solutions in propellers, azimuth thrusters, transverse thrusters and advanced steering and control systems. The business covers the entire chain from hydrodynamic design and construction to installation, commissioning and long-term service.

Berg Propulsion's systems are used in a wide range of vessels, including passenger ships, work vessels, offshore vessels, ice-going vessels and marine units. The company has a strong focus on energy efficiency, manoeuvrability and reliability, which contributes to reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Through continuous product development and customer-oriented collaborations, Berg Propulsion is an important player in the development of future sustainable propulsion solutions.

Location: Hönö

Wallenius Marine

Wallenius Marine

Wallenius Marine is a Swedish company active in ship design, technology development and strategic consulting for the maritime industry. The company works with comprehensive solutions that include ship architecture, energy efficiency, digitalization and life cycle analyses. Wallenius Marine is particularly known for its visionary concept studies for future sustainable ships.

Through advanced simulations, system studies and innovation projects, the company contributes to the transition towards fossil-free and climate-neutral shipping. Wallenius Marine collaborates closely with shipping companies, shipyards, technology suppliers, authorities and research institutes and often acts as a link between strategic goals and technical implementation. The company's work is characterized by a long-term perspective, technical excellence and a clear focus on sustainability.

Location: Stockholm

Saab Kockums

Saab Kockums is a leading player in the marine defence industry and specializes in the design, construction, modernization and maintenance of advanced marine systems. The company's core business is submarines, surface combatants and marine sensor systems, as well as associated support systems and infrastructure.

The business is characterized by high technical complexity and safety-critical solutions, which places high demands on quality, system integration and information security. Saab Kockums conducts extensive research and development and works in close collaboration with the Swedish Armed Forces and international partners. The company plays a central role in strengthening naval defense capabilities and technological independence.

You need to be a Swedish citizen to be able to do your trainee period at Saab Kockums.

Location: Malmö or Karlskrona

Gothia Marine

Gothia Marine is a consulting and technology company with a focus on marine and maritime systems. The company offers qualified services in construction, analysis, regulatory management and project management. The work includes ship design, stability calculations, strength analyses and verification against international regulations.

Gothia Marine assists shipyards, shipping companies, authorities and other actors throughout the entire life cycle of a ship project, from early concept studies to conversions and operational support. The company is known for its technical accuracy, its independent approach and its ability to handle complex technical issues in shipping.

Location: Gothenburg

Swedish Maritime Administration

The Swedish Maritime Administration is a government agency responsible for providing safe, efficient and environmentally friendly maritime transport. The agency's mission includes pilotage, icebreaking, sea and air rescue, nautical surveying, fairway maintenance and maritime traffic information. The Swedish Maritime Administration is a central player in Sweden's accessibility, trade and preparedness.

In addition to operational activities, the Swedish Maritime Administration conducts development work in digitalization, maritime safety and environmental technology. The agency collaborates with industry, academia and international organizations to meet future demands for sustainable transport, robust infrastructure and increased automation in shipping.

You need to be a Swedish citizen to be able to do your trainee period at The Swedish Maritime Administration

Location: Norrköping

Gotland Tech Development

Gotland Tech Development is a development company with a focus on technical innovation and sustainable development, with a particular connection to maritime and industrial applications. The company functions as a collaboration platform where companies, academia and public actors can meet to develop and test new solutions.

The activities include project management, test and demonstration environments and support in innovation and development processes. Gotland Tech Development is active in areas such as energy transition, digitalization, electrification and future transport systems. The goal is to contribute to regional development and strengthened competitiveness in technology-intensive industries.

Location: Stockholm

Kongsberg Maritime

Kongsberg Maritime is an international technology supplier that develops and delivers advanced systems for the maritime industry. The company's product portfolio includes solutions in automation, navigation, dynamic positioning, propulsion, energy management and digital services.

Kongsberg Maritime's technology is used globally in commercial shipping, offshore, fishing, research and defense. With a strong focus on system integration, cybersecurity and innovation, the company is a driving force in the development of autonomous and digitalized ships. Through continuous investments in research and development, Kongsberg Maritime contributes to increased safety, efficiency and sustainability at sea.

Location: Kristinehamn

Stena Teknik

Stena Teknik is the Stena Group's central development and innovation unit. The department works group-wide with technical studies, analysis and research in areas such as ship design, energy efficiency, new fuels, electrification and digitalization.

Stena Teknik supports the Group's various business areas with strategic technical expertise and acts as a link between long-term goals and operational activities. Through close collaboration with universities, research institutes and technology suppliers, Stena Teknik contributes to developing future-proof and sustainable maritime solutions.

Location: Gothenburg

FKAB

FKAB is a Swedish ship design company with extensive experience in developing commercial ships for an international market. The company works with the entire design process, from concept development and basic design to detailed construction, production support and follow-up in operation.

FKAB's ship designers are found in segments such as dry cargo ships, tankers, passenger ships and special vessels. The focus is on energy efficiency, safety, good seamanship and cost-effective operation. Through close cooperation with shipping companies and shipyards, FKAB ensures that the design solutions are technically robust and commercially viable.

Location: Gothenburg

RISE

RISE's maritime department is part of the Research Institutes of Sweden and conducts applied research, innovation and testing activities for the maritime sector. The department works with analysis, simulation and experimental studies in areas such as ship performance, hydrodynamics, safety, environmental impact and new technologies.

Through advanced test environments, digital tools and research projects, RISE supports industry, authorities and decision-makers in technology development and strategic choices. The operations have a clear societal mission and contribute to safe, competitive and sustainable shipping.

Location: Gothenburg or Stockholm

MacGregor

MacGregor is a global supplier of cargo handling solutions and marine equipment for merchant ships and the offshore industry. The company develops and supplies systems such as cargo hatches, cranes, ro-ro equipment, mooring systems and associated control and monitoring solutions.

MacGregor also offers comprehensive service and lifecycle services, including maintenance, upgrades and digital monitoring. Through technically advanced and reliable solutions, the company contributes to safe and efficient cargo operations worldwide. MacGregor has a strong focus on innovation, digitalization and sustainability within the global maritime industry.

Location: Gothenburg