Dstl - What Career Live

Exhibiting at the following events:

AFA '24

Company Profile

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is at the heart of the UK’s defence and Security capabilities, ensuring that our vital and unique innovative science and technology contribute to current and future challenges. We provide the UK expertise in a spectrum of engineering and scientific fields. We work with the best people with the best ideas, and apply them in unexpected ways, much of which is operationally critical with the potential to save many lives.

We work at the forefront of defence and security research and innovation, a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment. Taking technology and push it to its limits, using creativity and innovation to solve real world problems for real world customers. Quite simply, this is work that you cannot do anywhere else.

Crucially, we work with other brilliant people – collaborating with everyone from small companies and world-class universities to large defence companies and other nations. Together, we develop battle-winning technologies, based on deep and widespread research, to support UK military operations now and into the future.

Join Dstl on an apprenticeship and you will gain a breadth of experience working alongside some of the worlds experts in their field. Our programmes enable you to get stuck in and work on real life projects, whilst learning and gaining a qualification at the same time. Our apprenticeships range from advanced through to degree level programmes.

Locations:

Porton Down, Salisbury
Portsdown West, Fareham
Fort Halstead, Kent

More about Dstl

DSTL – Hayden

DSTL – Josh

Josh, a degree apprentice within our Cyber and Information Systems Division

Why did you consider an apprenticeship and what drew you to dstl?

Having previously heard of Dstl and the work completed within the organisation I was very interested when I saw the advertisement for a Cyber Degree Apprenticeship. Getting paid and gaining work experience whilst studying for a degree seemed like too good a deal to say no to, so I then decided I had to apply.

What was the application process like?

The application process was straightforward and easy to follow. I was asked to provide proof of a list of competencies such as teamwork, leadership and problem solving. For me I took examples from my Saturday job at a DIY shop, my support of teaching as a black-belt at my Tae-Kwon-Do club and normal school work from 6^th Form. There were also a few tests on simple maths and English abilities, these weren’t too hard and also came with practice tests so I knew the type of questions coming up. Finally there was an interview, it was quite imposing travelling to Dstl and being escorted everywhere, but I tried to feel calm and be myself as much as possible and show my enthusiasm for the work.

What was your first day like?

On my first day I was quite excited but also slightly anxious. There were also quite a few others who were joining on the day and a number of people who were coming back having previously worked at Dstl as a year in industry. Everyone was very friendly and it didn’t take long to get to know people.

What does a typical day involve?

A typical day for me will revolve around either completing some of my University work, such as an electrical circuit theory lab, or working alongside a colleague to complete my project work.

What’s been a highlight so far?

A highlight has definitely been a visit to the Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans at HMNB Portsmouth. It was interesting to get on board an in-service Naval vessel and be given a guided tour around all parts of the ship.

What do you like most about your apprenticeship?

Personally I really enjoy the work, I find it interesting and challenging and it’s something I wouldn’t have got from University.

Would you recommend it to others?

Definitely, doing this degree apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to enter the world of work a lot earlier than many other people. The experience I am gaining at Dstl will be invaluable for the future and give me access to opportunities sooner than many others.

What’s next – how do you see the future?

In the future I’m hoping to extend my technical expertise and become a technical lead at a work package of project level.

DSTL – Bethan

Bethan

Dstl Engineer/Machinist – Division: Engineering. Location: Porton Down, Salisbury.

Dstl has always intrigued me with the things that it is involved in and also how its work contributes to important aspects of defence, science and technology.

I tried University for a few weeks and realised that it wasn’t really for me, so I immediately started to search for an apprenticeship because I believe that you get so much more from that style of learning. You’re achieving qualifications, getting hands-on experience, earning money, gaining vital work-ethic and contributing to the growing success of a company; in my case, Dstl.

I began my Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship in September 2013. You learn everything from the essential health and safety aspects of your work to engineering principles and working on lathes and milling machines.

The apprenticeship made me more confident within my abilities and the experience you get is second to none.

Since graduating in September 2016, I have become an integral member of the engineering workshop, working on the milling machines and lathes but also being trained to work the CNC machines as well – a skill which is important to have. I am also undertaking a HNC in Engineering at a nearby university, going there 1 day a week to continue my learning and development and gain another nationally recognised qualification.

I am excited to see where my future will take me and look forward to my continued learning.

Myth-busting: Engineering is just for boys

“Getting an apprenticeship was one of the best things that I ever did. The combination of practical hands-on work and classroom-based theory is the way I learn best. I knew that I didn’t want to go to university and I knew that I wanted to get an apprenticeship – other members of my family started their successful careers as apprentices.

I feel very proud to have started my career as an apprentice, and I liked the fact that I was making a living for myself, earning a good salary, gaining a great work ethic, meeting fantastic new people and learning skills every day.

When I joined Dstl as an apprentice two of us were a bit different to our colleagues. Why? We were women. I do many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) events in schools and careers fairs and, sadly, the majority of children visiting our engineering stalls are boys. I will continue to encourage young people, particularly girls, to consider the benefits of an apprenticeship in Engineering.

Across the UK women make up less than 10% of the engineering workforce. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is bucking this national trend, with over 30% of our engineers and scientists being female.

On a daily basis, I haven’t found a problem with being a young woman in the engineering industry. Maybe it’s because I’ve grown in confidence since having had the responsibility of an apprenticeship or maybe it’s because the people I work with realise that I’m no different to my male colleagues.

So, basically, man or woman, apprenticeships are the best start for future rewarding careers – I really believe they are the way to go.”