Graduation day for Dstl engineering apprentices
Dstl engineering apprentices receive National Advanced Apprenticeship Certifications at graduation ceremony.
On 7 September 2015, 8 engineering apprentices from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) graduated to the next step of their careers having successfully achieved all elements of their National Advanced Apprenticeship.
During a graduation presentation at Porton Down in front of family and friends, each apprentice was presented with their National Advanced Apprenticeship Certification by Dstl Chief Executive, Jonathan Lyle.
Throughout three years of training the apprentices have learnt about Health and Safety and other academic aspects of engineering. They have also learnt practical skills such as light and heavy fabrication, all of which will equip them for a career in engineering. In addition to this rigorous training schedule, the apprentices were also involved in creating equipment for a number of real projects with Dstl.
Jonathan Lyle, Chief Executive, Dstl highlighted the contribution the apprentices have made to the business:
Our engineers in our laboratories and workshops help turn our ideas and science into reality, so the skills that the engineering apprentices have developed over the past three years really are crucial to Dstl’s business. We are proud to take on a number of apprentices each year and to invest in the development of their skills. I congratulate those who have just graduated on their achievement and wish them every success in their future careers.
One of the recently graduated engineering apprentices, Callum Pickering, said:
Throughout my apprenticeship I enjoyed the various placements which focussed on developing different skill sets as well as using knowledge obtained from previous years and classroom based lessons. My favourite placement gave me experience working in labs and workshops as well as on-board ships in various dockyards around the country using both electrical and mechanical principles. Overall I enjoyed the apprenticeship and I would recommend it to anyone looking to start out in an engineering role.
Dstl currently has a number of opportunities for people starting their career in science, technology, engineering and analysis. Those wishing to join as apprentices can apply for one of three schemes. Apprenticeships are available in engineering, laboratory technician and business administration based roles.
Dstl is a member of The 5% Club, a group focused on creating momentum behind the recruitment of apprentices and graduates into the workforce.
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