Apprenticeships at the Defence Electronics and Components Agency

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An apprenticeship with the Defence Electronics and Components Agency (DECA) gives you the opportunity to join us at a time of exciting change and growth.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, DECA provided essential support to the RAF by supplying an Air Separation Unit to the Falkland Islands. The ASU produces liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen and gaseous oxygen essential for the production of oxygen for the King Edward Memorial Hospital in Port Stanley. DECA provided this critical equipment in response to urgent COVID-19 support requirements on the Falklands and also deployed to aid installation during the crisis. Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands presented two DECA personnel with the Commander British Forces medal for their efforts on the project and for helping to ensure the ASU installation was a success.

Assigned the contract to become the global repair hub for the UK’s new fighter jet, the F-35, DECA will provide repair, maintenance, overhaul and upgrade of electronic and electrical components, fuel, mechanical and hydraulic systems and ejection seats for the world famous platform. Our involvement in the support solution for F-35 will continue to develop our cutting-edge capabilities and secure investment and growth in our infrastructure and people and continue our proud heritage of providing pivotal support to our Armed Forces for many years to come. Joining our apprentice scheme will provide you with the opportunity to pursue an extremely rewarding career supporting UK Defence and the Armed Forces.

Picture shows the Air Separation Unit loaded and ready for sending to the Falkland Islands during the COVID-19 crisis

A picture of the UK's F-35B fifth generation multi-role aircraft. — The UK's F-35B fifth generation multi-role aircraft. Crown Copyright

About DECA

We are part of the UK MOD and support UK Armed Forces by providing expert electronic, optronic, avionic, cryptographic and general engineering repair, maintenance, overhaul and upgrade services to MOD and our industry partners. Our people’s skill and expertise make DECA a lean and forward thinking business with an impressive pedigree of military capabilities. We employ around 450 staff in Flintshire and Staffordshire and deployed teams across the UK. As MOD civil servants, our staff can also deploy overseas in direct support of UK military operations.

DECA has exceptional facilities that include:

purpose built electronic workshops
fuel pump test facilities
accredited calibration laboratories
class 4 Tempest cleared cryptographic maintenance and storage facilities
audiometric laboratory
cryogenics school of excellence
carpentry shops
engineering work shops

DECA purpose aim and values

Our purpose

To be a trusted MOD and Industry partner, delivering assured electronics and components capability in support of Defence

Our aim

We aim to be a highly professional team delivering benchmark support services to our customers.

Our values

We value our people by:

creating an environment where all employees are proud to be part of DECA
engaging with individuals and Trades Unions to include their views in decision making
offering development opportunities to help realise full potential and recognise achievement
respecting the knowledge and expertise of all employees and encouraging engagement

We promote teamwork and co-operation by:

providing inspired leadership, encouraging empowerment and accountability
working together with each other to achieve our purpose and aims
actively supporting diversity and valuing everybody’s contribution

We care for our customers and stakeholders by committing to:

understanding our customers’ needs through the development of strong relationships
delivering high quality products and reliable services
responding with urgency and developing agile and forward thinking solutions
working to nationally and internationally recognised standards and accreditation
fostering a positive presence in our local community

We deliver best value for defence and continuously improve by:

striving for excellence in every aspect of our business
further developing our responsiveness, flexibility and resilience
being open to change and prepared to manage risk
developing new capabilities to meet changing Defence requirements

A picture of Microwave technologies carried out at DECA — Microwave communication technology capability at DECA. Copyright DECA

Apprenticeships we are currently recruiting for

Technical Apprenticeship, Sealand 8 vacancies and Stafford 3 vacancies

We offer a three stage MOD sponsored modern apprenticeship

Year 1 – full time at college

Successful apprentices will achieve

NVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations

Year 2 - based at DECA with instructors with college day release

Successful apprentices will achieve:

BTEC National Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Year 3 - full time at DECA alongside qualified technicians

Successful apprentices will achieve:

NVQ Level 3 based on specific trade requirement of apprentice

Earn as you learn

Phase 1 - £15,474 p.a.
Phase 2 - £18,278 p.a.
Phase 3 - £19,449 p.a.

Other benefits

nationally recognised qualifications
26.5 days paid annual leave and 9 days public holidays
generous pension scheme

As an apprentice, you may be offered a permanent role within DECA following successful completion of your apprenticeship and your continued studies to gain a BTEC Higher National Certificate.

We are committed to providing opportunities for employees to further their careers within DECA and the wider MOD and we fully support professional development such as higher education learning, MOD placements and membership of professional associations.

A picture of he shot blast facility at DECA. — DECA shot blast facility. Copyright DECA

What we’re looking for

We are looking for highly motivated individuals with a real commitment to learn. Joining our business will be an exciting opportunity for you to make an impression, demonstrate your energy and drive, learn new skills, contribute to the delivery of business objectives, and most importantly become a valued member of our team. If you think this opportunity is interesting, a career at DECA might be just what you are looking for.

Our minimum requirements

Applicants will need to achieve the following as minimum entry qualifications:

Four subjects GCSE at grade C/4 or above (including Maths, English and a relevant science or engineering subject)
You will be required to demonstrate in your application and, where applicable at interview, that you meet the requirements of the specified competences
You may need to pass a colour perception test, a hand skills and aptitude test and may be required to attend a medical examination

Your minimum age

You will need to be 16 years on or before 31 August 2022

Applications and further information

Technical Apprenticeship Sealand

You can apply for this apprenticeship

You can also visit the civil service website and enter job references 204499

Technical Apprenticeship Stafford

You can apply for this apprenticeship

You can also visit the civil service website and enter job references 203707

The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is midnight on 15th May 2022

Important note

If you are due to sit GCSE examinations during 2022 please enter predicted grades in the qualification section of the application form. Evidence of achieved grades will be required prior to completion of the recruitment process.

These are non-reserved posts open to UK nationals, commonwealth citizens and European Economic Area (EEA) nationals of other member states and certain members of their families who are non-EEA nationals.

The MOD is an Equal Opportunities employer and seeks to reflect the diverse community it serves. Applications are welcome from anyone who meets the stated requirements. Please note we treat all information supplied in connection with this advertisement in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. For further information regarding the Civil Service Pension Scheme, please visit Civil Service Pensions

Picture of an RAF Typhoon — RAF Typhoon and ground support equipment

Apprenticeships at the Defence Electronics and Components Agency