Deeside College has recently secured the training contract for one of the UK’s largest defence engineering providers, the Defence Support Group (DSG). DSG was launched on 1 April 2008 following a merger between ABRO and DARA business units. DSG was formed to support the Armed Forces and deliver wider defence objectives in support of the key Defence Industrial Strategy requirements. The key aim of the organisation is to provide expert in-house maintenance, repair and overhaul and upgrade services for the support of the air, land and maritime systems of the UK armed forces.

Deeside College will provide specific electronics training to DSG apprentices based at the Electronics and Components Business Unit at Sealand. The Ministry of Defence Apprenticeship scheme is fully aligned to the Advanced/Modern Apprentice Frameworks. DSG apprentices will also benefit from the newly formed Deeside College Centre of Aeronautical Training (DCCAT) which has Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approval. Thanks to the DCCAT project, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, North Wales and North West based apprentices such as those from DSG, can now receive outstanding training that leads to industry essential qualifications.

A unique programme tailored between DSG and Deeside College will incorporate a partnering arrangement that will involve training the apprentices both in the College’s Engineering Centre of Excellence and in their work place. This will also enable continuous professional development opportunities for both parties. Linked to the engineering training, the apprentices will also complete the Welsh Baccalaureate which will combine a core of personal development and project management techniques linked to their main engineering qualification.

Deeside College Principal and Chief Executive, David Jones, said: “DSG is a forward thinking business with outstanding capabilities and Deeside College are delighted to be working in partnership with our colleagues at DSG. We hope this is the start of a long and successful relationship.”

Geraint Spearing, Head of DSG Electronics and Components Business Unit, added: “Deeside College became the first college in Wales to achieve the highest possible grade 1 inspection ratings for its Work Based Learning provision. This is testimony to the high standards of the college, particularly in respect of their delivery of apprentice programmes. I share David’s delight in our partnership and wish our apprentices every success.”

Image shows the DSG apprentices with Deeside College Principal and Chief Executive David Jones. Nick Tyson, Deeside College Head of Faculty Engineering and the Built Environment. Geraint Spearing, Head of DSG Electronics and Components.

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