The British Army, Royal Air Force and Dstl make the Top Apprenticeship Careers list
A list compiled as part of the 2015 Apprenticeship Careers show puts the British Army, RAF and Dstl at the top.
Corporal Charlotte Cox, a soldier and dog trainer, is training for a Level 3 NVQ in Work Based Animal Care
The British Army, Royal Air Force and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) have all made the Top Apprenticeship Careers list 2015 and are listed amongst the top 10 in the ‘Government and Public sector’ category.
The list raises awareness of the benefits of apprenticeships and celebrates the leading companies in the most popular industry sectors that are investing in young people. The list has been compiled as part of the 2015 Apprenticeship Careers show by Square Peg Media and independent judges include Angela Eagle MP and Sharon Warpole, CEO of Not Going to Uni.
The Army has the largest apprenticeship programme in the country with about 95 per cent of new soldiers taking part and over 8,000 completing their apprenticeship training each year.
Corporal Charlotte Cox, a soldier and dog trainer, is training for a Level 3 NVQ in Work Based Animal Care. Before joining the Army she attained a number of GCSEs, but was keen to increase her skills and qualifications.
I’ve become a lot more confident, outgoing and disciplined since working on my Army apprenticeship. My NVQ in Work Based Animal Care is highly valued in the Army and is also recognised by civilian companies, so it’s reassuring to know that the training I’m receiving is for life, not just the Army. I always wanted to work with animals in the military so this apprenticeship is perfect for me.
Bethan Warner, Dstl engineering apprentice
Dstl recruits around 10 to 15 new apprentices each year. The Dstl apprenticeship schemes mix formal classroom based study alongside practical hands-on training in workshop, laboratory and office facilities.
Bethan Warner, a Dstl engineering apprentice, dispels the myth that women don’t do engineering.
Getting an apprenticeship was one of the best things I have ever achieved. The combination of practical hands-on work and classroom based theory is perfect for me. I knew I didn’t want to go to university and I knew I wanted to get an apprenticeship as other members of my family started their successful careers as apprentices.
I feel very proud to have started my career as an apprentice, and I like the fact that I’m making a living for myself, earning a good salary, gaining a great work ethic, meeting fantastic new people and learning skills every day.
An apprenticeship in the RAF also offers the chance to gain a UK recognised trade qualification as part of a challenging and unique career. SAC (T) Shayne Hadland is a Trade Group 1 Mechanical Aircraft Technician who completed his Advanced Apprenticeship in Aeronautical Engineering. He is currently working in the Transmission Bay at RAF Benson. His role is to repair, maintain, complete fault diagnosis and undertake modification of equipment on Puma helicopter transmission components.
SAC (T) Shayne Hadland, Trade Group 1 Mechanical Aircraft Technician
There are nearly 500 different careers employed by the Armed Forces, including professions like doctors or practical jobs like chefs. The Armed Forces is the UK’s biggest provider of apprenticeships, which are open to everyone.