The Defence Technical Officer and Engineer Entry Scheme

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1 ENTURE V D A S T E ME E EARNING EET THEIR FUTUR L E R E H W INEERS M G N E D N A The Defence Technical Officer and Engineer Entry Scheme

2 Introduction to Welbeck 4 AS Levels including Maths and Physics Minimum 3 A Levels including Maths Develop physical fitness Military Skills and Leadership development Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 3 The perfect place to start your career within the Ministry of Defence (MOD). If you are keen on an engineering or technical career in the Armed Forces or as a civilian within the MOD, there is no better place to continue your education than Welbeck. We are a leading Sixth Form College that specialises in preparing gifted students for a rewarding technical or engineering career. This may be as an Officer within the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force or as a Civil Servant within the MOD. A well rounded education in a first class setting Besides a first class, technically driven education, Welbeck offers some of the best campus facilities in the country. An indoor swimming pool, state-of-theart sporting facilities and en-suite residential quarters create an environment where you can gain a well rounded education that truly prepares you for life after college. Personal, physical and intellectual development brings out the best in you and hones your leadership skills amongst like-minded individuals. Future prospects: the Welbeck Career Path Welbeck is just the start of a journey that leads to a degree at one of the UK s leading universities (supported by 4,000 a year bursary), and on to an engineering career in the Armed Forces or Civil Service. So as a Welbeck student, you couldn t be better prepared or supported as you embark on your adult life and career. STEP 1 WELBECK > STEP 2 UNIVERSITY > STEP 3 CAREER > 2 years Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS): Choice of 200 degrees at our Partner Universities Aston, Birmingham, Loughborough, Newcastle, Northumbria, Southampton and Strathclyde Opportunity to attend Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College 4,000 annual bursary Additional training pay available Continued Military Training, mentoring and support through DTUS Squadron 3-4 years Start Initial Officer Training at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst Royal Air Force College, Cranwell Or join the Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG) Graduate Scheme Return of 3 years service on completion of training 4 years + Welcome Thank you for taking an interest in Welbeck, The Defence Sixth Form College. Whilst this prospectus will give you a sense of the range and quality of opportunity on offer here, words and pictures can only do so much. That is why I would be delighted to extend a warm invitation for you to come and see us at one of our open days and experience first-hand what sets Welbeck apart and makes us so unique. A fully co-educational, boarding Sixth Form College, Welbeck provides a proven pathway to a career within the Ministry of Defence. It represents the first step in the Defence Technical Officer and Engineer Entry Scheme (DTOEES). In addition, it is the only college in the country that offers students a secure place at university, followed by a career in the Armed Forces or the Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG) on successful graduation. State-of-the-art facilities, inspirational teachers and a dynamic community make Welbeck one of the country s leading co-educational colleges. With a focus on Maths and Physics, our aim is to provide all students with an outstanding education and A level results that will take them to the next stage of the DTOEES scheme at a top university. Our success is reflected in results which consistently place us amongst the country s top 20 A Level Colleges. As you would expect, academic studies combine with developing core military skills and values, but here at Welbeck, we provide a broader learning environment. Our programme of intellectual, personal and physical education develops in our students a moral integrity, responsibility and a genuine sense of service. These essential personal skills are as important in military leadership as they are in making a valuable contribution to the wider community. Our students come from all over the United Kingdom from a variety of backgrounds. Most have never boarded before, but thanks to outstanding pastoral care, benefit from dedicated support whilst at Welbeck. You can expect to leave resolute, skilled in communication and with ambitions extended. Welbexian Officers are highly respected, serving in all three services and the DESG all over the world, with a select few achieving 3 Star rank (Lieutenant-General). Why not find out more at one of our Open Days? You can be sure a very warm welcome awaits. Peter Middleton Principal, Welbeck The Defence Sixth Form College Is Welbeck right for you? If you are ambitious, motivated, driven and want to forge a career in the Armed Forces or Ministry of Defence, it could be for you. GCSE requirements vary depending on the Service you wish to join, but you will need minimum GCSEs of A and B in Maths and Physics and a C in English Language. You should be medically fit and a UK, Commonwealth or Irish citizen, aged between 15 and 17.5 on September 1st in the year of entry to the College

3 Defence Technical Officer and Engineer Entry Scheme Equipping you with unique skills for life as an Officer. Welbeck gives you a good base on which to start building your future military career Defence Technical Officer and Engineer Entry Scheme As an Officer in the Armed Forces, you will need skills that demand the very best from you on a daily basis. That s why DTOEES was put in place to ensure the Services could recruit the brightest and best technical talent to serve as Officers in the Royal Navy, the Army, the Royal Air Force and the Civil Service. Welbeck college: like no other As a successful candidate you will sign an undertaking with your chosen Service and embark upon an education like no other. 175 high calibre young men and women are taken on each year. Living and learning with like-minded individuals and under the careful mentoring of skilled and experienced staff, you will benefit from an environment that is geared to shaping a successful career in the Armed Forces or Ministry of Defence Civil Service. More than just a university education After Welbeck, you will go on to read for one of 200 degrees (in engineering, technical, business or logistics) at a leading UK university: Aston, Birmingham, Southampton, Loughborough, Oxford, Newcastle, Northumbria, Strathclyde or Imperial College. Here, support and mentoring will continue under your DTUS Squadron (Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme) with: A 4,000 annual bursary The Defence Technical Officer and Engineer Entry Scheme Pathway Paid attachments with your sponsoring Service during the holidays Up to 2,000 a year paid training including adventurous training and outdoor qualifications Professional, academic and development support from serving personnel (the Squadron Commanding Officers are all members of their university s engineering faculty) An exciting career awaits... After graduating, you will move on to Officer Training with your chosen Service or the MOD graduate scheme for professional training as you put your university acquired skills to work. Training salaries vary depending on your chosen career path, but you will start on a minimum of 24,000 P.A. As an engineer officer in the Royal Navy, you will also receive a 27,000 joining bonus (less any DTUS bursary already awarded) Interested? Visit: Enquire Visit Welbeck DSFC Which Service? Visit Service websites Ministry of Defence Civil Service Army Royal Air Force Royal Navy Application via chosen Service (online or Service Careers Office) Apply Selection Education Career Board DESG Selection Admiralty Interview Board Army Officer Selection Board Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre GCSE results Join Welbeck DSFC University technical bursary DTUS Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth Royal Military Academy Sandhurst RAF Cranwell DESG Graduate Scheme Abbey Wood MOD professional training Junior Officer professional training Return of 3 years service Please consult the Welbeck College website for individual service application deadline dates. In the event of any application difficulties, contact the Welbeck recruiting helpline on WHAT NEXT? WHAT NEXT? 05

4 Student Profile Isobel, 17 Future Career: Air Engineer Officer, Royal Navy You find yourself with many like-minded people who have similar goals and aspirations to you Planned Career Pathway: Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Southampton University followed by Initial Officer Training at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. Why did you decide to come to Welbeck? I have wanted to be an engineer for a while and have always been interested in the Royal Navy. During my GCSEs I was looking at colleges and I came across Welbeck and was really excited by the military aspect of the College. It seemed like the ideal place for me, bringing my two chosen career routes together. What do you enjoy most about Welbeck? I love the atmosphere at Welbeck and the attitude that the College has towards work and play. As well as an academic focus, there is a lot of attention on sporting achievements, which is something that is hard to come by in most colleges and provides a really good balance. The boarding at Welbeck is also great, you get to know everyone so well and your house turns into one big family. What is your favourite subject? My favourite subject is Maths. I enjoy it because it is challenging and interesting and I can relate the topics (especially mechanics) to what I will be doing later in my career. How has Welbeck helped your sporting achievements? My favourite sport is Biathle (run, swim, run) I went to Dubai in October to represent GB at the World Championships where I was placed sixth. Being at Welbeck has enabled me to continue my progression in Biathle as there are the facilities on-site for me to train properly. I am also a member of the College triathlon team. What makes Welbeck different from an ordinary Sixth Form College? At Welbeck everything is encouraged from sport, through to academics, through to debating, something that you may not find at an ordinary Sixth Form. As well as this, you find yourself with many likeminded people who have similar goals and aspirations to you. 06 STUDENT PROFILE STUDENT PROFILE 07

5 Welbeck Life and Unlocking Academic Potential Learn and train with like-minded individuals. There is so much support here. From other students, a wide range of teachers on duty plus many revision sessions held at different points throughout the week. Welbeck Life Unlike most sixth form colleges, Welbeck offers the full benefits of a boarding education where you learn and train with like-minded individuals. Our students come from a wide variety of educational, social and cultural backgrounds from all over the UK and from UK families living overseas. All are focused on career aspirations, creating a constant buzz of enthusiasm and drive. Having demonstrated that you have the personal skills to adapt to a residential environment, you will continue to develop respect for the other members of the community and be encouraged to contribute positively to all aspects of College life. At Welbeck you will work hard, play hard and be encouraged to make the best of yourself, as would be expected of any potential Officer or Ministry of Defence Civil Servant. Unlocking Academic Potential Welbeck offers a first-class education with a full range of courses leading to A Levels in 10 subjects. You will be expected to study Mathematics and Physics at AS Level, with a choice of two other Science, Technology and Arts-based subjects also on offer. After this, you will go on to study these subjects to A Level, with the option of dropping one of your subjects in favour of an additional enrichment subject. Your subject selection will reflect the needs of your future training with the Armed Services or Ministry of Defence Civil Service. Expert career advice will always be provided as you move through the College. The College is a market leader in terms of its academic results as we consistently rank very highly in the Sixth Form College league tables. We aim to ensure that all our students meet their academic targets and fulfil their academic potential. Subjects on offer at Welbeck include: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Electronics, Computing, Geography, Government and Politics, Business Studies, Design and Technology. 08 WELBECK LIFE WELBECK LIFE 09

6 Community and Pastoral Care Community We believe that the residential environment of Welbeck offers our students valuable benefits, not least because of the strong sense of community that it fosters. I ve grown in confidence and made friends for life The College is a relatively small, close-knit community, meaning everyone gets to know one another very quickly a vital ingredient in our continued success. You will be allocated to one of five houses under the care of a qualified houseparent and deputy houseparent who manage your care and overall development. All study bedrooms are en-suite. Students in the Lower Sixth will share a room with two other students, whilst most Upper Sixth students are given single rooms. Each boarding house has its own identity, and respective students tend to develop strong ties, promoting healthy competition across the College. This supportive yet flexible framework provides an ideal home from home, and facilitates a smooth transition from the College to university and Initial Officer Training. Pastoral Care Boarding creates a stimulating and supportive atmosphere for our students. Each boarding house has two residential house staff who are there to provide students with help and advice on any matter. House staff are supported by a number of tutors (usually members of the academic or military staff) as well as qualified nursing staff from the medical centre. When you join the college you will become a member of a tutor group that is there to support you in all aspects of your life at Welbeck and to closely monitor your academic progress. Any difficulties with a particular subject are identified early and additional support will be provided. We are very conscious that the majority of our students are new to boarding. As a new student you will enter an induction programme upon arrival. This will support your transition into your new lifestyle, and as a part of this support, selected members of our experienced Upper Sixth are tasked and trained to look after you and your fellow new entrants. Our trained prefect and peer mentor teams will help you to settle in quickly, especially during your first few weeks at the College. 10 WELBECK LIFE WELBECK LIFE 11

7 Extra Curricular Activities Sports Sports and Physical Education are very important aspects of life at the College as they help to develop a spirit of teamwork and fun. Sports change every term, so there s always a chance to try something new We want to instil the importance of physical fitness and healthy lifestyles with our students, as you will need to keep this up throughout your Armed Forces career. The college is extremely fortunate to have top-class facilities that cover a wide range of activities. All students take major games every Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and can choose from a comprehensive and wide variety of activities. You also have the option of selecting a sport for General Activities on Monday afternoons. Top quality coaching is provided in all activities, often benefiting from the expertise of external coaches to supplement our own staff. We run an extremely wide range of College teams that compete against the top schools in the region in all abilities. Considerable success has been achieved in both local and national competitions in recent years. In addition, we encourage students who play individual sports not covered here to carry on competing at the highest possible level, as long as academic commitments allow. Extra Curriculum Activities There is also a number of non-sporting activities which you are actively encouraged to participate in during your free time, as well as General activities sessions on Monday afternoons. The following activities are just some of those anticipated to be on offer: Air Rifle Shooting First Aid Art Music Radio-Controlled Model Club Debating Railway Engineering Digital Photography Reading Group Kayaking Climbing Duke of Edinburgh Rock Band 12 WELBECK LIFE WELBECK LIFE 13

8 Combined Cadet Force Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Military Skills and Leadership Training (MSLT) The single service visits help to see life beyond Welbeck and can really focus you on doing well. A career in the Armed Forces is what we are all here for! The main emphasis of the CCF at Welbeck is the development of leadership potential. Membership of the CCF is compulsory and the College benefits from having four full-time military staff, assisted by a number of CCF Officers. Regular serving personnel and our university students from the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS) Squadrons also assist on a regular basis. Military Skills and Leadership Training (MSLT) takes place on two afternoons each week during autumn and spring terms. Throughout the year students also take part in a number of field exercises, competition and familiarisation visits. Students will take part in six main exercises during their time at Welbeck and these are designed to give you further opportunities for leadership development and a taste of officer training. These exercises are varied and are not all field-based. Exercise START gives a taste of living in the field and for many students it is their first experience of military activities. Adventurous Training (AT) plays an important part in leadership and character development whilst exercise TRAIL is a week of AT which all students complete. The unique leadership opportunities presented at Welbeck are accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) with all students completing the ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership. As well as the six main exercises, there are several visits that are arranged during term time so you can experience regular Service establishments and get a close-up look at working and training units. You will also get the opportunity to experience some of the following depending on your chosen Service: Royal Engineers Chatham Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Bordon Royal Logistic Corps Deepcut Royal Signals Blanford HM Naval Base Faslane Submarines Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton HMS Sultan Destroyer visit subject to availability RAF Cosford RAF Coningsby Typhoon Air Experience Flying Parliamentary Education Team Portcullis House, Whitehall Houses of Parliament Ministry of Defence National Arboretum Staffordshire 14 WELBECK LIFE WELBECK LIFE 15

9 Student Profile Andrew, 17 Future Career: Army Officer in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers I wanted to go somewhere where I could do more than just A Levels Planned Career Pathway: Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Newcastle University followed by Initial Officer Training at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. What made you decide to come to Welbeck? I had always wanted to join the Army as an officer and was advised to look at Welbeck by my careers advisor. I spoke to a few officers on RAF Akrotiri where I was living at the time and they all knew of Welbeck and recommended it highly. I wanted to go somewhere where I could do more than just A Levels and saw that Welbeck had great facilities and great sporting opportunities. I was particularly interested in the military side of the College as I thought that it would be great to have background knowledge of military skills before going on to university and Sandhurst. What has been your biggest achievement at Welbeck? I was awarded the Prince Philip Medal for being the most outstanding student in the College. I was honoured to receive the award from the Duke of Edinburgh himself when he visited the College in April. What do you enjoy about Welbeck? I enjoy the military side of life the most. The two-week summer exercise has been the highlight of my two years here. We learnt various fieldcraft techniques, survival methods, shooting on a range and attempted assault courses as a platoon. This was finalised with a two-day in the field exercise using blank rounds and different patrols. What are you planning on doing after Welbeck? I want to study for a Mechanical Engineering degree at Newcastle University. During this time I will also attend the DTUS squadron as an Officer Cadet, where I plan on completing various adventurous training activities and hope to pass my Ski Instructor Qualification. Do you miss home? Not really, there are always going to be times when you do miss home, such as the first couple of weeks, birthdays, or when you are having a tough time during exams. The house staff and other students are always there to provide support. It s never too hard though there s always so much going on that you don t really have time to miss home. Also with half terms and Exeat weekends you get to go home every few weeks, so get to see family and friends fairly often. 16 STUDENT PROFILE STUDENT PROFILE 17

10 After Welbeck After Welbeck After successfully completing two years study at Welbeck, you will go on to read for an approved degree at university via the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS). University Students can select to read an approved degree at one of the DTUS Partner Universities including: Aston, Birmingham, Loughborough, Newcastle, Northumbria, Southampton or Strathclyde. Places are also available at Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College for those achieving high A Level grades. You will be advised on which degree courses are most appropriate for your chosen career. Bursaries Whichever DTUS university you attend, the Scheme ensures that financial sponsorship is available to assist with your fees and living expenses. You will be awarded an annual technical bursary (currently 4000 per year). The Royal Navy also offers a one off joining bonus of 27,000 to engineer officers. Those who have come through DTUS will receive 27,000 less the technical bursary already received. An example would be that someone on a three year bursary worth 12,000 will receive 15,000 as a joining bonus. Support Units In addition to reading for a degree, there is a commitment for all DTUS students to join a Military Support Unit (DTUS Squadron) at university. There are four squadrons: Taurus Squadron Aston, Birmingham and Oxford Trojan Squadron Newcastle, Northumbria and Strathclyde Thunderer Squadron Southampton and Imperial College Typhoon Squadron Loughborough and Cambridge Squadrons are staffed by members of the Armed Services, who mentor and assist your progression through university. As a member of the DTUS squadron you are expected to attend one training evening a week for which you will receive training pay. The unit provides academic and pastoral support as well as personal development training. Work experience and adventurous training activities will also be arranged during holiday periods and students can earn up to 2000 per year in training pay for attending such events. Sports and fitness are very important within the squadrons and all DTUS students are required to pass a Personal Fitness Test once a year in order to qualify them for their bursary. Career Following graduation you will move on to Initial Officer Training with the Armed Forces or the DESG Graduate Scheme with the Ministry of Defence Civil Service before entering your chosen career full time. You are expected to return a minimum of three years service in the Armed Forces or Civil Service on completion of your in-service training. 18 WHAT NEXT? WHAT NEXT? 19

11 Career Profile Christopher Christopher was sponsored by the Royal Navy through A Levels at Welbeck, before going on to study for a Masters Degree in Electronic Engineering at Southampton University. The whole experience has made me more prepared for the challenges that await me in my career with the Royal Navy After beginning a career at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth as a Weapon Engineer Officer, Christopher is currently on HMS OCEAN conducting his Specialist Fleet Time. To join Welbeck, I first had to complete the full Admiralty Interview Board at the age of 16 alongside many older entrants, making it a very challenging experience. I arrived at Welbeck College with the first intake of Royal Navy Officer Cadets to pass through, which gave me a unique perspective on the new quad service training establishment. The College provided an excellent balance of academic, leadership and military training, with serving Officers supporting the staff of experienced teachers. My week generally included morning academic lessons, twice weekly sports, separate leadership and military training, kayaking in the indoor pool and varied fitness sessions. The superb academic teaching enabled me to achieve the results I needed to get into Southampton University, one of the best in the country, where I joined Thunderer Squadron. This military support unit had serving Officers from all three services, who further developed my leadership and military knowledge, and also provided an excellent welfare support system. I attended military lectures and exercises as well as visits to a range of tri-service establishments. During the summer holidays I spent a number of weeks at Royal Navy establishments and visited the US Naval Academy in Annapolis. I also did a lot of adventurous training, exercises and courses. Career options: Weapon Engineer Officer, Marine Engineer Officer, Air Engineer Officer. I have been caving in the south of France, sailing in Germany twice, yachting in the Mediterranean and have benefited from many other exercises. The whole experience has been incredibly worthwhile and has prepared me really well for the challenges that await me in my career with the Royal Navy. Application and selection procedure You should apply using the online form on the Royal Navy website or by telephone on the number listed below. Once you have made this initial contact, you will be given an appointment to visit your nearest Armed Forces Careers Office where you will be allocated a Careers Officer who will book your visit to Welbeck, if you have not already been, and assist you in your preparation for the selection procedure. The selection process culminates in attendance at the Admiralty Interview Board (AIB), which takes place over 2 days in HMS SULTAN Gosport. The AIB assesses your potential to become a Naval Officer, looking at your competencies in areas such as leadership, communication and effective intelligence. Options after training Engineering Options There are three types of Engineer Officer in the Royal Navy: Weapon, Marine and Air Engineer Officer. Weapon Engineer Officer Responsible not only for the weapon systems, but also for the surveillance, communications, radar and sonar systems. Marine Engineer Officer Responsible for the vast range of propulsion, fuel, water, electrics, hydraulics and air systems on board a ship or submarine, as well as for the structure of the hull itself. Air Engineer Officer Responsible for all types of aircraft in the Royal Navy. Both Weapon and Marine Engineer Officers have the option of becoming Submariners. Non-Engineering Options Priority will always be given to Engineering candidates. However, the Royal Navy does have a limited number of spaces available at Welbeck if you wish to apply for Officer roles within Warfare, Aircrew, Logistics or the Royal Marines. If you are a non-engineering applicant, you must intend to study science-related AS and A levels and you will then attend Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth on completion of your time at Welbeck. You will not be eligible for the DTUS scheme bursary, but can apply for a University Bursary award by attending another AIB. For more advice on Royal Navy careers, call or visit careers 20 CAREER PROFILE CAREER PROFILE 21

12 Career Profile Tommy A former Welbexian, Tommy is the Engineer Recruiting and Liaison Officer for the Royal Engineers. I was given the opportunity to quench my thirst for adventure My Army career started at Welbeck where I attended from 2004 to From Welbeck I studied Civil Engineering at Southampton University. Whilst at University I represented the University 1st XV and the Army under 21 s at Rugby. Through the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS) at Thunderer Squadron I was given the opportunity to quench my thirst for adventurous training. I have subsequently become a mountain leader and hope to become a ski instructor in the very near future; both opportunities that I would have undoubtedly missed out on had I not been a part of the DTUS scheme. I completed climbing and mountaineering expeditions in Italy and Corsica during my summers at University, and got paid for it, much to the envy of my civilian counterparts! From university I went straight to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) whereupon completion I commissioned into the Royal Engineers. Post RMAS I went on to the Royal Engineers Troop Commander s Course, where we learnt all the specific skills of a Royal Engineers Officer, including demolitions and bridging. Career options: Royal Engineers, Royal Signals, Royal Logistic Corps, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. My first posting in the Corps was as a Troop Commander at 51 Parachute Squadron. It was a privilege to serve in the Airborne forces and we made up a part of the Airborne Task Force for the first 18 months of my posting. Held on very high readiness, at five days notice to move to anywhere in the world, was both exciting and daunting. Whilst at 51 Parachute Squadron, I was tasked with building a 1000 man tented camp in London in preparation for the Olympics with my Troop. Given only one day s notice to move, we had completed the task six weeks later, complete with dining facilities, electricity, running water and even air conditioning. I was then made the Engineer Intelligence Officer to 16 Air Assault Brigade, briefing the Brigade Commander, a General, up to four times a day on the ground in likely contingency locations. My time in the Royal Engineers has given me what I wanted from the Army so far; the opportunity to command fantastic soldiers, the mental stimulation of planning and executing tasks, the physical challenge of arduous courses and a sense of excitement and adventure. Looking to the future, the Corps has the diversity to allow me to expand my Army experience; whether that is as an Army Diver, a Bomb Disposal officer or the opportunity to serve elsewhere in the Army. Application and selection procedure Applicants should contact us via the Army website or the phone number below or visit an Army Careers Centre. You will be asked to apply on-line. Following that application you will be required to complete a number of questionnaires to check your eligibility for Army Service. Once that has been confirmed you will be interviewed by one of our Senior Careers Advisers and then you will need to attend a medical examination. Those who are shortlisted attend a two-day assessment at the Army Officer Selection Board for a series of tests designed to assess suitability for Welbeck and a career as an Army Officer. These tests combine physical and mental challenges with leadership tasks and a series of in-depth interviews. If selected, you will need to achieve the required grades at GCSE or equivalent. Options after training The four technical Corps available to Welbeck students are: Royal Engineers undertake such diverse engineering tasks as bridge building, airfield repair, clearance of minefields, military mapping and infrastructure repairs following natural disasters. Royal Signals enable the Army to communicate, using field radios, battlefield satellite systems and secure digital networks. They also use electronic warfare to intercept and analyse enemy communications. Royal Logistic Corps distribute resources to the right place at the right time, by land, water or air. The RLC is responsible for feeding, clothing and equipping the Army as well as providing ammunition technicians and postal facilities. Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers keep Army equipment operational, from weapons to radios, and from helicopters to tanks. All Army students who attend Welbeck will be sponsored by one of the above technical corps and will go on to study a technical degree at an approved DTUS university. On reaching Sandhurst, Welbexian Officer Cadets will have the opportunity to compete for a limited number of places within the Royal Regiment of Artillery, Infantry, Army Air Corps, Adjutant General s Corps and Intelligence Corps. Entry into these Corps is not guaranteed. For more advice on Army careers, call or search Army Jobs. 22 CAREER PROFILE CAREER PROFILE 23

13 Career Profile Hannah An ex-welbexian, Hannah was one of the first RAF entrants to the Defence Sixth Form Welbeck set the foundations Hannah went on to complete a four-year Aeronautical Engineering degree at Loughborough University and completed Engineering training at RAF College Cranwell. Career options: Engineering Officer, Logistic Officer. I found Welbeck a little overwhelming at first. Being divided into House groups seemed strange, but everyone very quickly became friends and we learned to work as a team. While I was there, I completed a gliding scholarship and found it exciting to be around, and working with, aircraft. An attachment at RAF Coningsby led me to choose a career as a Communications Electronics engineer in the RAF. The sports and fitness facilities at Welbeck were fantastic and although at first I found it a personal battle to improve, I reached the standard with the support and training provided. When I went back in the second year the new facilities were ready and we moved into a brand new building. I became a House Prefect and was the Social Secretary which meant I spent time organising events. My housemates and I also did lots of charity work. This developed my administration skills which I found useful during RAF Initial Officer Training (IOT) at Cranwell. I moved on to complete a four year MEng degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Loughborough University through the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme. I then completed IOT at RAF Cranwell where I graduated in March I had always planned to study for a degree at Loughborough University and I think my time at Welbeck certainly helped me to adapt when I started studying there. When I left to start IOT, I didn t find it as difficult as I imagined and I believe that this was down to the preparation I received at Welbeck. I feel very privileged to have been part of Welbeck and, although their goal is to enable you to achieve your academic potential, it all ultimately leads to the one thing to help prepare you to become a RAF Officer of the future. Welbeck helped set the foundations, the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme allowed me to develop into my own person and during IOT it all just came together! Application and selection procedure You should apply using the website or phone number listed below. From there you will be invited to the nearest Armed Forces Careers Office where you will receive further advice and guidance on the application and selection process. You will also be offered the opportunity to visit Welbeck if you have not already done so. The Officer Selection Boards, which take place over three days at the RAF College Cranwell, are tailored to cater for 15 & 16 year old students. The process will include aptitude tests, leadership exercises, interview, medical and fitness assessments. The Boards will be held annually in early summer and final selection for Welbeck is dependent on both the Selection Board s assessment and achieving the required grades at GCSE or equivalent. Options after training The RAF Engineering and Logistics Branches offer a variety of challenging and rewarding careers that provide unrivalled opportunities for significant responsibility, professionally recognised development and accreditation. All RAF employment is based within teamworking environments where individual contribution is highly valued. Engineering roles include: The direct management of teams engaged in either aerosystems or communications; electronic systems maintenance and provision; project-related roles; specialist technical roles in equipment support and procurement; more general roles within the RAF and Defence communities (later in your career). Logistics roles include: Leading and managing personnel who provide aviation spares, fuel and specialist vehicles in support of air operations; providing worldwide catering and hospitality services to RAF personnel; organising the worldwide tasking and handling of the RAF s air transport aircraft fleet; as a commander on an Air Combat Service Support Unit, providing expeditionary logistics support to operations and exercises wherever in the world RAF personnel are deployed. For more advice on Royal Air Force careers, call or visit 24 CAREER PROFILE CAREER PROFILE 25

14 Career Profile Emily Having completed her A Levels at Welbeck, Emily went on to study Mathematics at university and was sponsored by the Defence Engineering and Science Group. She now works as an Operational Analyst for the MOD. The DESG offers the amazing opportunity for an assured future I thoroughly enjoy my professional role working as a civilian within the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG). We are a community of some 9,000 Engineers and Scientists, working within the wider MOD Civil Service, to equip and support the Armed Forces with state-of-the-art technology. My current role is at RAF Coningsby where I am part of the Fast Jet Test and Evaluation centre. I work within the Operational Analysis team providing support to Fast Jet trials. This role enables me to apply my mathematics knowledge and skills to real world problems. I joined the DESG route as a student at Welbeck. The DESG offers the amazing opportunity for an assured future including a path that leads from success at Welbeck through to a sponsored place at a top university and then onto the prestigious DESG Graduate Scheme. Welbeck gave me a great head-start to my career in the MOD. As I progressed and gained an even greater understanding of what the DESG scheme would involve in the long term, I became even happier that I had made this choice for my career. I then moved onto being sponsored by the DESG through university on the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS). This has been one of the biggest highlights in my six years on the scheme so far. I went to Northumbria University in Newcastle and joined the DTUS Trojan Squadron. The DESG Sponsorship Scheme means that you are given a bursary each year. This was a huge help to me and allowed me more time to focus on my university work and my DTUS activities. In the short term, I am hoping to develop my modelling and analysis skills further and I am also applying for a placement in Australia. Following this, I hope to re-grade into a permanent position in the Operational Analysis area at the Air Warfare Centre. Career options: Engineering Project Manager, Engineering Specialist, Programme Manager. The MOD operates a good working environment with a decent pay system and pension scheme. Another advantage of the DESG scheme is that you can experience different places and new roles. Each role is different and provides its own benefits. You will never get bored with a career in the MOD and there are so many opportunities available to you if you are willing to embrace them! Application and selection procedure You should apply using the application form and tutor reference form available at Please call if you are unable to access these forms. The selection process, including an assessment centre, takes place during spring or early summer and will assess your academic potential and your ability against a range of skills and competences such as teamwork, communication and leadership. Final selection for Welbeck is dependent on your assessment centre results and achieving the required grades at GCSE or equivalent. Students who are sponsored by DESG are expected to obtain a 2:1 degree in order to progress to the DESG Graduate Scheme. The Scheme will give you all the training and experience you need to perform in your first professional appointment. You can then expect to take early responsibility for managing staff and taking project decisions affecting equipment programmes worth millions of pounds. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to influence the Ministry of Defence s projects in a range of roles and locations both within the UK and abroad. Typical areas of expertise include maritime, land, aerospace, weapons and ordnance, nuclear, communications and information systems. Science and engineering is fundamental to the effectiveness of our organisation and we work hard to keep you at the cutting edge of developments in your respective field. Whatever your engineering discipline, you will have access to first-class training and a quality professional development that few can match. 26 CAREER PROFILE CAREER PROFILE 27

15 ilities c a f t r a ty place e i s h r t e f v o i n e Stat fered a u f o s t n e iversity n f stud u o r o % f 9 y 9 r al bursa c i n h c e t l career D O M Annua a o t athway p n e v o r Ap Burton upon Trent Loughborough Melton Mowbray Coalville Oakham LEICESTERSHIRE Tamworth LEICESTER Oadby Hinckley Blaby Market Harborough Forest Road, Woodhouse Loughborough Leicestershire LE12 8WD T: +44 (0) Welbeck is fully committed to equal opportunities. We aim to treat everyone fairly and will not tolerate unlawful discrimination including harassment and bullying. The contents of this publication are intended as a guide and cannot be quoted as an authority. Crown Copyright 2013.