BAE Systems apprentices arrive at Eskdale
Date posted - 16 June 2011
Earlier this month, The Trust’s Eskdale centre saw the arrival of 28 BAE Systems apprentices for a 5-day development programme. The traditional jog and dip was first on the agenda, in which the apprentices swam out to a boat on the tarn and made their way back again. The groups then headed out into the Cumbria wilderness to undertake a series of tasks designed to help come together as teams. The first day of their programme also gave them an introduction to the theoretical models and concept that they would be using throughout their time at Eskdale. Above all, their objective for the week was to develop awareness of personal behaviour and how they affect and are affected by others.
Day two of the programme saw all three groups take on a gorge walking challenge and a globe tech exercise. Every opportunity was taken to allow them to lead their groups and make their own key decisions, with Outward Bound practitioners on hand to offer advice and ensure safety. This approach was continued through to the expedition, in which the groups were given sole responsibility of choosing their route and executing their plan.
One group ascended Scafell Pike and then completed a section of the upper Esk gorge the following day, whilst another made their way over Red Pike to camp at 600m and completed their exped by canoeing the length of Wastwater. The final group walked from the centre over Illgill Head to Burnmoor tarn whilst being shadowed. The following day they too canoed the length of Wastwater. The two canoeing groups had to liaise with each other over timings, resources and general planning in order to meet their goals. All three groups had to contend with some unsavoury weather, including both rain and hail. As one apprentice remarked “It doesn’t feel like June!”
On the final morning all three teams delivered a presentation to their peers and a group of ten visiting managers from BAE. They left The Trust with an action plan in the form of a letter, which would be sent to them one month after the course. This letter will either confirm that they are on track, or, give them a nudge in the right direction to improve their performance in the workplace.
It was a pleasure to work with these apprentices as they had a very professional yet enthusiastic approach and got involved in every aspect of the programme.
Nev, Senior Trainer, Eskdale centre
