A unique apprenticeship experience
Over the past 12 months, we’ve organised several great days out to support our apprentices. In February, we hosted our Apprenticeship Awards at HMNB Portsmouth, and were lucky enough to receive not only a guided tour around the site, but also an onboard tour of HMS Prince of Wales, one of the Royal Navy’s latest Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. Our apprentices were shown around the ship’s bridge, flight island, hangar and flight deck in what was a real money-can’t-buy experience, as well as a welcome reminder of the personnel we support and the military capability DIO enables.
Just last month, we arranged for a group of current apprentices to attend the latest Army Expo event on Salisbury Plain Training Area. This was an opportunity to understand the Army’s Future Soldier Programme, and how the work of civil servants contributes to supporting our military at the front line.
Drone strikes, robotic dogs and the newest version of the Apache AH-64E helicopter in action were just some of the highlights from the event, which showcased the Army’s state-of-the-art air and land assets and gave an insight into military modernisation and transformation. It also highlighted the vital role of the Defence Training Estate in helping to prepare the UK military for operations worldwide.
Enhancing our apprenticeship offering
DIO Chief Executive Mike Green is a passionate supporter of apprenticeships. My challenge is to improve the quality and relevance of the apprenticeship offering in DIO to the business need and perhaps most importantly, to provide a great experience for all apprentices while completing their programme.
Improving awareness about apprenticeships
While we have had many apprentices successfully come through the organisation to date, there are some common misunderstandings about apprenticeships and the benefits for both the business and the apprentice, so I'd like to highlight a few points:
Apprenticeships range from Level 2 to Level 7:
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- Level 2 – Equivalent to GCSEs
- Level 3 – Equivalent to 2 A Levels
- Level 4/5 – Foundation Degree
- Level 6 – Full Degree
- Level 7 – Master’s Degree
Upon completion, the apprentice will typically have both a formal qualification and a professional membership of the relevant organisation, such as the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Association for Project Management (APM) or Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
You can undertake an apprenticeship at any stage of your career, and we have apprentices in the MOD at all ages and grades. The age profile of our apprentices greatly varies, and an apprenticeship will often appeal to an experienced person looking for a step into joining the MOD.
9 comments
Comment by Tim Moss posted on
Apprenticeships are the way forward in industries such as precision engineering as we have a real lack of young, skilled people coming into the industry. Many of the skilled engineers are approaching retirement age which is causing a big skill shortage.
Comment by Lorissa posted on
I am considering an apprenticeship but I’m approaching 50. Is is possible to have some information or a chat regarding apprenticeships?
Comment by DIO Communications Team posted on
Hi Lorissa,
Apprenticeships aren't just for school leavers - our oldest apprentice was in his 60s. Our apprenticeships are advertised on Civil Service Jobs and are open to new and existing staff in a range of fields from intermediate to degree level. This year we'll be recruiting apprentices in construction project management, facilities management, surveying, digital, sustainability, security and engineering.
Comment by Lewis posted on
Apprenticeships for deolved nations, is there support for Scotland, Wales and Ireland? I have been asking about degree level apprenticeships but due to funding it seems to be a different set of rules. Do you have a point of contact for each nation to help with process?
90% of the workforce is commercial within DIO, for the other 10% is there a set structure for helping with Apprenticeships?
Comment by DIO Communications Team posted on
Hi Lewis,
As you say, the way in which the devolved administrations administer their funding for apprenticeships is managed differently in each country. The MOD is currently looking at what needs to be done to access apprenticeship funding in the devolved administrations but this is an ongoing piece of work and nothing is set in stone at this stage.
If you are an MOD member of staff, feel free to email John directly for more information.
Comment by Mo posted on
Hi
I'm looking to move forward in my career and believe this is the perfect opportunity.
I'm looking to enhance and develop new skills and believe the apprenticeship programme at DIO can provide this.
Is it possible to have a further chat as to how I can go about approaching this?
Many Thanks
Comment by DIO Communications Team posted on
Hi Mo,
Thanks for your interest! Our apprenticeships are listed on Civil Service Jobs: https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi. If you have any questions you can contact dio-apprenticeshipsgraduates@mod.gov.uk.
Comment by Shaniese posted on
Hey, I'm a student currently in Yr12 going into Yr13 but I want to do a degree apprenticeship after I finish in something to do with digital/cyber security or something similar to that.
What are the requirements and when will openings be for 2024?
Comment by DIO Communications Team posted on
Hello and thanks for your interest! Your best bet is to set up alerts on Civil Service Jobs so you can filter to roles and locations which are of interest to you. https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi