Technical Apprentice

Defence Electronics & Components Agency

Vacancy Reference Number: 204499

Closing Date: 11:55 pm on Sunday 15th May 2022

Salary: £15,474

Contract type:  Fixed Term – 36 months

Location:  DECA Sealand

Number of posts:  8

Summary

This is an exciting and challenging time to be joining DECA. As the MOD looks to overcome Defence budgetary pressures, through the implementation of the Modernising Defence Programme, we continue to offer unique opportunities to maintain sovereign capability and do so with more effective and efficient solutions.

An apprenticeship is a genuine paid job with an accompanying skills development programme. Through the apprenticeship, apprentices gain the technical knowledge, practical experience and wider skills they need for their immediate job as a DECA Technician and future career.

There is a common misconception that apprenticeships are only for young people. Anyone can benefit from developing their skills in an accredited way that is recognised by other employers.

This apprenticeships will be based on an existing standard or framework and will last for 36-months, extendable up to 42-months in exceptional circumstances. Apprentices that reach the benchmark standards are eligible to be considered for many of the technician roles we have in the business.

Job Description

Training will be undertaken over three years at Coleg Cambria in Deeside and at DECA. Apprentices will follow a programme of Standards Based Training and will benefit from the advice, support and mentoring of highly skilled and experienced technicians.

Year One

During your first year you’ll be at Coleg Cambria fulltime, studying for your BTEC Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Electrical and Electronic Engineering), NVQ Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations and Functional Skills. You will also attend DECA Sealand for periods of additional training. You will have dedicated pastoral support from DECA staff whilst attending college.

Years Two and Three

There is a blended approach to delivering training. You will complete a BTEC Enhanced Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) and a L3 NVQ in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) through day release to college and supervised Work Based Learning. There will be onsite academic delivery and practical skills development with the DECA Instructors and work placements in the workshops. There will also be opportunities to visit military facilities to enhance the learning experience.

In addition to the academic and practical training you will be introduced to Project Management, Continuous Improvement and other essential business processes. You will be trained as a STEM Ambassador and undertake a Charity project.

Apprentices will be expected to pass each phase of training and achieve NVQ Level 3 in order to graduate.

Responsibilities

The apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training to pave the way for your future career. Training will be undertaken at Stafford College in Stafford and at DECA over three phases, which total between 36 and 42 months. Apprentices will follow a programme of Standard Based Training and will benefit from the advice, support and mentoring of highly skilled and experienced technicians.

Apprentices will be expected to pass each phase of training and achieve NVQ Level 3 in order to graduate.

In return, we offer a professional training programme, opportunities to acquire further nationally recognised qualifications which includes working towards membership of professional bodies and/or apprenticeships, that you can undertake as part of your role, 26½ days Annual Paid Leave (plus 9 days Public Holidays) and the potential of an extremely rewarding career.

Benefits

Skills and Experiences

Essential and Desirable Criteria

You should demonstrate an enthusiasm and ambition to pursue a career as a Technician in a Defence focused public sector organisation. You will need to develop and sustain professional working relationships and have a genuine commitment to succeed across all elements of the training. Our staff must strive for excellence and we expect the same of our apprentices. Applicants must be highly motivated with a real commitment to learn and deliver consistently. Applicants must be 16 years on or before 31 August 2022. Work Experience, Knowledge and Skills.

Essential

• An enthusiasm and ambition to pursue a career as a Technician in a Defence focused public sector organisation
• Keen to continue personal professional development
• Good communication skills

Desirable

• Can evidence experience of engineering
• Can show examples of qualifications gained through self-motivation
• An understanding of Defence
• Familiarity with ICT equipment and a competence to use it
• A good hands skills and the ability to work autonomously

Qualifications

Essential

• Evidence of a good general education, up to GCSE’s NVQ’s or equivalent. (5 GCSE or above at Grade C / 4)
• English Language, Maths and a Science or Engineering subject GCSE (Level 4 or C, or equivalent)

Desirable

• Grades B to A* or Grades 5 – 9 in Mathematics, Physics or Engineering subject
• Prior learning or experience in engineering

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Punctual
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic
• Confidentiality/trustworthiness
• Good relationships with colleagues
• Good personal organisation.
• Able to travel to other sites, with transport provided

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Working Together
  • Developing Self and Others

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

  • Your ability to follow simple instructions to carry out practical hand skill assessments safely and to achieve the minimum standard.
  • Your depth of engineering knowledge and experience – Electrical and general engineering
Contact: https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi Julie.Bowers@deca.mod.uk