With National Apprenticeship Week underway, we find out how one soldier has benefited from an Army apprenticeship.
An Army clerk issues local currency to soldiers who have newly arrived abroad in support of Operation Gritrock. (Stock imagery)
Troops from The Royal Anglian Regiment conduct training on River Crossing drills on Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area Poland
The Royal Anglian Regiment conduct a dawn attack for the media day, during Exercise Steadfast Defender.
An Army clerk issues local currency to soldiers who have newly arrived abroad in support of Operation Gritrock. (Stock Imagery)
Lance Corporal Kaine McKenna is a Military Personal Administrator in the Adjutant General Corps, Staff and Personnel Support (SPS) Branch, currently assigned with 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, based in Cottesmore, Rutland.
Kaine has completed a Level Three Business Administrator Apprenticeship, the equivalent to two A Levels.
He says:
“The apprenticeship gave me a good insight into project management and how I can transfer my trade into a civilian career should I ever choose to leave the Army. I’m now assessing my options for further qualifications to take the next step in my Army career.
The skills I have gained have given me practical experience in developing my communication skills and management.
“The skills I have gained have given me practical experience in developing my communication skills and management. It has also shown me that I can go on and achieve good academic results which I wasn’t confident about before I started my apprenticeship.”
The British Army is the largest apprenticeship employer in the UK.
On average over 13,000 people are on Army apprentices at any one time, covering 14 different Cap Badges, including the Infantry, Royal Military Police, Intelligence Corps, Royal Army Veterinary Corps and Royal Engineers. Around 4,000 people start on Army apprenticeships every year. Apart from being a combat soldier, apprenticeships are available in information technology, logistics, construction, business administration, engineering, public service and health.
The priority of Army apprenticeships is to support soldiers to achieve nationally recognised qualifications, during their Service, so they are well served when they eventually return to civilian life.
Colonel Alex Burt, the Assistant Head Personnel Policy (Learning & Development) and Senior Responsible Officer for the Army Apprenticeship Programme said:
“Over 95% of soldiers are enrolled on an apprenticeship that is related to their trade, we’re exceptionally proud of all our apprentices and their achievements.
“Apprenticeships offer people the chance to earn while they learn, gaining skills and confidence that benefit them during Service; they are also a key enabler of social mobility when they leave.”
Those interested in an apprenticeship with the Army, which has been rated number one in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list for the past four years, should visit their local Armed Forces Careers Centre or go to Army Jobs to find out more.
