An exceptional week for BAE Apprentices
Date posted - 27 July 2010
Here in Aberdovey we have just had an exceptional week with the 'cohort 5' apprentices from BAE Systems. There were 18 apprentices that arrived from their training centres in Doncaster and Peterborough. These particular apprentices are being fast-tracked and within four months will be actively involved in fixing and maintaining fast-jet aircraft such as the Typhoon, Tornado, Harrier and Hawk, as used by the RAF.
Within an hour of their arrival, with course introductions and lunch done, the apprentices were engaged in a thorough session of physical training followed by jog and dip. This set the tone of the course and helped to break down barriers and get everyone energised for the week's activities. From the start it was clear that the two sets of apprentices would get along well and they soon completed a number of difficult low dynamics challenges and quickly formed effective working groups. That evening they were issued a briefing for 'operation wild country.'
Operation wild country involved the groups planning and completing a difficult route over Cadair Idris. During the day, the two groups had to rendezvous on the summit and combine the cargo each group was issued with to hoist the BAE Systems flag. This was completed in fine style, despite the challenging weather conditions. Everyone returned exhausted but full of pride. It was especially good to see so many young people open their eyes to their own potential.
'Operation homecoming' was given to the apprentices at 9am on Wednesday morning. It was made very clear that if they were not successful they would be sleeping outside in the rain. This project tested their planning skills, time management, ability to interpret information into action and most of all how well they can keep focused. When back at work in their respective RAF bases, any missed detail or lack of focus could have disastrous consequences, and operation homecoming required the apprentices to step up a gear, if they were to be successful. With an impressive effort they completed all of the tasks and navigated to a remote cabin within the time limit to find out the result of the challenge.
Success! The apprentices' ability to withstand the pressure and meet their deadlines resulted in them being allowed to sleep inside. However, after a short spell relaxing and some dinner, the pressure was back on with the delivery of their most difficult task yet: 'global technologies.' This seven phase project combines the physical and mental challenges that they experienced earlier in the week, while testing the apprentices on their presentation skills. By Thursday night we had 18 very tired, but very successful apprentices. A job well done by both groups.
Friday saw some of the most professional final presentations I have seen. All in all, this has been a tough and tiring course for both apprentices and instructors, yet one that was an absolute pleasure to be involved with.
Stewart Glendinning, Senior Trainer
The Outward Bound Trust, Aberdovey Centre
