*** *** THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2010 *** The Daily Telegraph APPRENTICESHIPS CAREERS IN DEFENCE *** VII A step in the right direction An apprenticeship in defence can lead to in-depth training and a job with prospects. Graeme Whitcroft looks at companies seeking new recruits If you want to work in the defence industry, it can pay to start on the career ladder as an apprentice. An increasing number of ambitious young people are taking this step, enticed by the prospect of paid work and on-the-job training straight from school. There are also opportunities to complete a fully sponsored university degree. Entrants need to be high achievers. Although there are now 240,000 apprenticeship places in England (four times as many as there were 10 years ago), competition is QinetiQ QinetiQ offers apprenticeships in engineering, avionics and mechanics at the Engineering Training Centre at Boscombe Down, Wiltshire. It also arranges an enrichment programme, with activities such as off-shore sailing, and gets apprentices working in partnership with various organisations on community and engineering projects. Age range 16 years and upwards. High flyers: a design project by QinetiQ apprentices Where will I end up? Successful apprentices achieve a QinetiQ Deeds of Apprenticeship, NVQ level 3 and a City & Guilds Level 3. Historically, all apprentices who successfully complete the apprenticeship have been offered full-time employment by the company, says QinetiQ press officer Natasha Smith. How do I apply? Via the QinetiQ website, qinetiq.com, direct to Human Resources or to the Flight Engineering Services team at Boscombe Down. Start date First week of September. Perks All apprentices are paid competitive national market rates and QinetiQ has a Company Reward and Recognition Scheme. Requirements A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Maths, Science and English. Ambitious young people are enticed by the prospect of paid work and on-the-job training fierce, with an increasing number of people trying to get into the defence industry. For higher-level apprenticeships, applicants are usually required to have examination grades that are as high as those needed for a good university, says Richard Marsh, director of the National Apprenticeship Service. Its not just young people who can take advantage of the schemes. Rolls-Royce, the global engine-maker which has a large defence aerospace division, takes on apprentices depending on experience and management potential. Neil Fowkes, learning and development manager at Rolls-Royce, explains why the company invests 30 million each year in apprenticeships and training: The business benefits of our approach to learning and development are clear. Our apprenticeships and graduate training schemes help to ensure the company has the specialist skills and expertise needed to maintain its competitive advantage. Length 4 years. Numbers The figure varies. There were 29 apprentices in 2008, 42 in 2009 and 30 in 2010. BAESystems BAE Systems has one of the largest apprenticeship schemes in the UK and offers apprenticeships in business, engineering, software and technical areas. Age range There are no set age limits for the scheme. BAE Systems takes on younger apprentices from GCSE upwards, as well as those looking to learn a new skill mid-career. Perks All apprenticeships are paid according to the location and type of apprenticeship undertaken. Requirements Different apprenticeships vary, but potential applicants will generally need 5 GCSEs at grade C or above. Length 2-4 years. Numbers At any one time, BAE Systems has up to 1,000 people employed on its apprenticeship programmes. Where will I end up? All BAE Systems apprentices work towards an NVQ All systems go: starting out with BAE level 3. However, you also have the option to carry on up to degree and Chartered How do I apply? Online at www.baesystems.co.uk/ status. The apprenticeship is a good stepping stone apprentices into a career with BAE Systems, as well as other engineering career paths. Start date Most begin in September. Focused work: an MBDA apprentice, who is also a permanent employee with the company, puts her skills into practice MBDA Missile systems company MBDA has engineering and business apprenticeships based at Stevenage and Lostock. Apprentices are taught to develop practical skills through working with MBDA, while at the same time continuing their education and development at external education courses funded by the company. Age range Any age, as long as you have the correct qualifications. Perks All apprenticeships are paid and apprentices are eligible for overtime payments. MBDA also has a flexi-time system to allow employees to have more control over their working hours. Requirements To apply for an MBDA apprenticeship, you need to have a minimum of 5 GCSEs, including Maths, English and Science at grade C or above, or an Engineering Diploma Level 2 or 3. Candidates for the business scheme are expected to have a minimum of 240 UCAS points, the equivalent of three Cs at A-level. Length 4 years. Numbers 12-16 apprentices per year, with an even split between the engineering and business streams. Where will I end up? All MBDA apprentices work towards attaining a NVQ Level 3 and do an internal company development programme as well. All of our apprentices are permanent employees, so they then progress directly on to full-time roles at the end of their course, says Steph Jones, human resources manager at MBDA. A number of our most senior management initially joined through the companys apprenticeship scheme. How do I apply? Application forms can be downloaded at www.mbdacareers.co.uk Start date September 2010.
*** *** *** *** DEFENCE CAREERS IN Wednesday, January 20, 2010 jobs.telegraph.co.uk/ca The Daily Telegraph GETTY Winning ways: building good relations with local populations in conflict zones is likely to become more of a priority as the Government shifts its emphasis towards early intervention and
*** II *** *** WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2010 THE DAILY TELEGRAPH CAREERS IN DEFENCE INNOVATIVE SME S ABOUT THIS SUPPLEMENT Todays defence sector is synonymous with innovation and challenge. Whether your interest lies in new technology or tours of duty on the front line, career opportunities in this
*** *** THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2010 *** The Daily Telegraph WOMEN IN THE RAF CAREERS IN DEFENCE *** III The skys the limit Three women who are blazing a trail in the RAF talk to Sarah James about the rise and rise of the Forces female stars FLIGHT LIEUTENANT hit the headlines
*** IV *** *** WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2010 THE DAILY TELEGRAPH CAREERS IN DEFENCE OCEANOGRAPHY & HYDROGRAPHY *** The Daily Telegraph Mapping a melting world Changing conditions in the Arctic are opening up new frontiers, says Adam Ramsay, creating extreme challenges for those with the right skills
*** *** THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2010 *** The Daily Telegraph TERRITORIAL ARMY CAREERS IN DEFENCE SHARON McDOWELL, 49 Commanding officer of the 201 (N) Field Hospital (Volunteers) at Fenham Barracks, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Sharon McDowell is also a matron at Sunderland Royal Hospita
*** VI *** *** WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2010 THE DAILY TELEGRAPH CAREERS IN DEFENCE ARMY OFFICER TRAINING *** The Daily Telegraph ALAMY Have you got what it takes? The road to Sandhurst is a tough one finds Adam Ramsay, as he takes part in initial selection tests for Army officers It is barely dawn
*** *** THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2010 *** The Daily Telegraph APPRENTICESHIPS CAREERS IN DEFENCE *** VII A step in the right direction An apprenticeship in defence can lead to in-depth training and a job with prospects. Graeme Whitcroft looks at companies seeking new recruits If
*** VIII *** *** WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2010 THE DAILY TELEGRAPH CAREERS IN DEFENCE RESCUE SQUADS *** The Daily Telegraph GETTY, MOD/DEFENCE IMAGES From far left: the flooded high street in Cockermouth in November 2009; RAF Odihams 27 Squadron in Pakistan; HMS Iron Duke A helping hand when disaste
