Defence Support Group
Defence Support Group (DSG)
Warminster, Wiltshire
Medium Employer of the Year category
Apprenticeship Awards 2008
Defence Support Group (DSG) apprentices have an impressive success rate. DSG knows that Apprenticeships are central to its future success. As one of MoD’s Trading Funds specialising in the maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade of critical land and air equipment and systems, DSG’s apprentices often work in extreme environments. Apprenticeships provide the business with the best way to develop the specific skills needed for its specialist workforce.
“Developing staff that have the complete range of specific skills we require means that our workforce is always able to respond flexibly and efficiently. Being able to service and repair anything, anywhere is essential when keeping military vehicles on the road and in the air.”, says DSG’s Chief Executive Archie Hughes who is enthusiastic about DSG’s impressive apprenticeship record.
He adds, “The investment that DSG makes in its Apprenticeships is rewarded with great loyalty, and a highly skilled workforce who continue to work with the company for many years.” Many progress to roles of major responsibility. In fact, both DSG’s Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer are products of similar apprenticeships. Some also go on to join various areas of the MOD as professional technical officers, advising and training the Armed Forces on essential defence equipment.
Andy Brooks has just completed his Apprenticeship at DSG and is now finishing his ONC award, (equivalent to A-Levels): “Training with supportivemanagers and staff has given me the confidence to work on any vehicle and to apply all my skills both learnt here and at college.
“My Apprenticeship has offered me the chance to complete extra training over and above that usually offered to garage mechanics. I receive a good salary and benefits, one of which is the chance to travel abroad - wherever the army may need us. My Apprenticeship has also given me an indentured qualification, which has boosted my future career prospects as it is sought after by many companies. I am now looking into the possibility of furthering my career with a management qualification.”
Daphne Tarling, senior training coordinator at Wiltshire College says: “DSG is unique in the commitment and additional training it offers to its apprentices. This has resulted in confident, highly skilled employees. DSG also plays an active part in the community by offering work experience to local schools through the Young Apprenticeship programme.”
DSG is a finalist in the Medium Employer of the Year category in the national Apprenticeship Awards 2008.
Last Updated: 03/06/2009