Modern Apprentices back in action at DPS Group

DPS Group Modern Apprentices returned to their on-site and academic learning this week


DPS Group are delighted to welcome our intake of modern apprentices for 2020/21. Our newest member of the modern apprentice team, Jack Arthur, is a first-year apprentice.

The modern apprentices recently visited the workshop to be reintroduced to the programme following COVID-19. The meeting took them through the following elements:

- How MA’s are coping with distance or blended learning during COVID-19

- The rotation for each modern apprentice through the business and timescales

- The introduction of a year-long IIOT project

To add a first-year modern apprentice in the current climate was considered carefully by DPS Group directors, but we value the future of young engineers, and the role they can play within DPS Group, and our national infrastructure.

DPS Group director, Colin Burnett, believes that the Modern Apprenticeship Programme is a vital area of the business:

“DPS Group Modern Apprentice Programme is integral to the ongoing success of the business. Without continued investment in young people, we would limit the future growth and development of the individual sectors of the company.

“We have a mass of knowledge within the business and have a moral duty to share this to the next generation. With the support of our internal team and training partnerships, our apprentices will become the engineering champions of the future.”

Jack Arthur, first-year modern apprentice, believes the mix of learning is attractive to school leavers:

“I’m grateful for this opportunity. It will give me a skill-set that is invaluable for my future. I’m looking forward to getting out onto site, and finding out more about different aspects of electrical engineering.”

Jack added: “The appeal of an apprenticeship is the mix of classroom and on-site work; it keeps a variety in my day-to-day routine. It adds practical aspects but also allows me to keep my academics sharp.”

John Hamill, Fife College Business Development Manager, commented on the value of the partnership with DPS Group saying:

“DPS Group care passionately about their engineering apprenticeship programme. It’s creative, innovative and creates a talent pipeline to help grow their business. Working in partnership with Fife College, the programme delivers both practical skills and knowledge.

“It is structured, and apprentices will in the first-year attend Fife College to complete an SVQ 2 and NC Level 6 Electrical. On returning to the workplace, apprentices will complete an SVQ 3. In year two they will attend college day release to complete an HNC. Ultimately the programme develops people with the skills and knowledge their business needs and offers an excellent opportunity for apprentices to develop a career in Engineering.”

If you would like to find out more about DPS Group Modern Apprenticeship Programme get in touch