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- 05/09/2010
Prize-Winning Midland Apprentices
Celebrating this week the apprentice skills that have kept the Armed Forces' armoured vehicles at peak performance for over sixty years at the Defence Support Group's Donnington workshops near Telford, Shropshire were the latest graduates of a scheme that is turning out the next generation of highly skilled engineers and mechanics.
Graduating at a prize-giving event held in the museum of RAF Cosford (yesterday, 12 November) were 20 apprentices who were praised for their hard work and commitment by DSG's Chief Executive, Archie Hughes who is himself a product of an engineering apprenticeship.
The 2009 graduates completed a three-year training package at Donnington as mechanical and vehicle electrical apprentices during which they have worked on the Army’s fleet of armoured vehicles, including the Warrior infantry fighting vehicle and the tracked Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).
As with previous years, most of this year’s outtake will now choose to continue working at DSG Donnington, returning accident or battle damaged vehicles to operational service in Afghanistan and elsewhere.
The Apprentice Training Centre has remained constant throughout the workshops' long history, recruiting an average of 20 new apprentices each year and training them as professional, motivated and flexible electrical and mechanical engineers.
Most apprentices have continued with long careers in the Donnington workshops and many have progressed to become team leaders and managers. Over the years, many Donnington apprentices have competed successfully in national and international competitions.
As part of their training, apprentices work on various community projects such as assisting a local hospital and the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, and helping local schools with engineering projects.
Archie Hughes praised the efforts of the 2009 graduates and concluded: "Every year I am hugely impressed by the standards of every apprentice who graduates from DSG. We have shown we can excel in providing students of every age and background with an apprenticeship that is the envy of industry. Your role in helping to equip our Armed Forces should never be underestimated and I know your efforts are greatly appreciated."
Ends
Notes to Editors:
1. Picture shows Archie Hughes with the 2009 apprentice graduates. A list of graduating apprentice prize winners is attached to this release.
2. DSG launched on 1 April 2008 and brought together the ABRO and DARA businesses into a single new defence Trading Fund. DSG's primary focus is in providing expert in-house maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade services for the through life support of the key land and air based platforms and equipment of the UK Armed Forces.
3. It draws together many unique capabilities that have been developed over several decades for the direct benefit of troops and their equipment at both home and abroad. DSG turnover is in excess of £200m, with a workforce of around 3800 strategically located throughout the UK.
4. DSG's Head Office is located in Andover and provides strategic direction to the main sites in Bovington, Catterick, Colchester, Donnington, Sealand, St Athan, Stafford, Stirling, Telford and Warminster. Smaller support sites located in Aldershot, Bicester, Kinnegar and Sennybridge further enhances DSG’s geographic coverage. Small support teams are also permanently embedded in other UK military sites.
5. For further information about DSG, contact Allan Robertson, in the DSG press office:
Office hours: 01446 755202
Out of hours: 07710 789853
Visit: www.dsg.mod.uk
Ref: 06/09
DSG DONNINGTON APPRENTICE AWARDS EVENING 2009
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First Year |
Winner |
Steve Wilson |
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Runner Up |
Matthew Powell |
Whitchurch |
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Second Year |
Winner |
William Thomas |
Wem |
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Runner Up |
Joe Fell |
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Third Year |
Winner |
Aiden Johnson |
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Runner Up |
Stuart Mason |
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Jim Ritchie Trophy |
Steve Wilson |
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Allan Howells Trophy |
Matthew Shaw |
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Norman Wright Shield |
Matthew Powell |
Whitchurch | |
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Gordon Richards Cup |
Daniel Drayton |
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Works Committee Cup |
David Riley |
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Health & Safety Award |
Matt Benton |
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Trevor Lacey Trophy |
Louisa Griffiths |
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Certificate of Merit for |
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External competition winners |
Michael North |
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Louisa Griffiths |
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Stuart Braddock |
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Alexander Williams |
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Certificate of Merit |
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Commitment to Training |
Stuart Mason |
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DSG Donnington |
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Apprentice of the Year |
Aiden Johnson |
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