Deed Signing For New Catterick Apprentices

13/11/2008
Deed Signing For New Catterick Apprentices

The latest intake of new apprentices at the Defence Support Group's (DSG) Catterick base was given a boost recently when the local MP, William Hague, arrived to act as witness to the formal signing of their Deeds of Apprenticeship. For those apprentices under the age of 18 years the Deeds must also be witnessed and signed by a parent or legal guardian.

DSG employs about 160 staff at Catterick who are involved in maintaining many of the vehicles used by our Armed Forces currently involved in operations in the Middle East. The three new apprentices now beginning their three-year apprenticeship bring the total currently undergoing training at the site to 10. The apprenticeship scheme is run in partnership with Darlington College where the students undertake their course work before moving into the engineering workshops to gain valuable on the job training from Apprentice Masters.

The sole adult apprentice in this latest intake is local Catterick man, Bruce Thomson who joins DSG following a military career in the Armed Forces with the 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards (Welsh Cavalry), which saw him take part in operations in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Iraq. Both Jamie Edgar (16) from Hudswell, Richmond and Christopher Gray (16) from Ingleby Barwick, Stockton on Tees make up the trio and were joined by their families for the occasion.

Speaking about his visit to DSG Catterick, Mr Hague said, “On my recent trip to Afghanistan I was able to witness at first hand how important it is for our troops to have vital equipment that is maintained to the very highest of standards. The work done by everyone here at DSG Catterick is crucial in the support of our Armed Forces and I know this is greatly appreciated by the troops at the Front Line. I am delighted to be able to act as witness to the signing of these apprentices’ Deeds as they will ensure the levels of skill and expertise remain high at the site.”

Adding his own comments following the signing ceremony, DSG’s Chief Executive, Archie Hughes said, “A DSG apprenticeship is a highly valued and well regarded qualification throughout industry and we are justifiably proud of the achievements attained by our apprentices at every level. We were delighted to welcome Mr Hague here today to act as witness for our new apprentices and the Deeds will now be held securely until their graduation in three years time.”

Ends

Notes to Editors:

 

1.      Attached picture shows Mr Hughes (left) with apprentices Jamie Edgar, Christopher Gray and Bruce Thomson alongside Mr Hague.

 

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 will be 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 for 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. The combined businesses will turnover 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, Edinburgh, Kinnegar, Sennybridge and York 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, press office:
Office hours: 01264 385799 or 01446 755202

Out of hours: 07710 789853

Visit: www.dsg.mod.uk

 

 

Ref: 06/08