The first group of recruits to join the Royal Navy as Probationary Leading Engineering Technicians (PLETS) passed out of HMS Sultan recently as part of the RN’s Marine Engineering General Service (MEGS) accelerated apprenticeship scheme.
After completing 11 weeks initial training at HMS Raleigh the 13 recruits, including 11 from University Technical Colleges (UTCs) joined the Defence College of Technical Training’s Defence School of Marine Engineering (DSMarE) at HMS Sultan in December.
Over several months of very hard work the PLETS have developed their understanding of Diagnostics, Repairs and Mentoring, giving them the foundations all of the necessary skills required to fulfil the roles of Deputy Section Heads at sea.
The Apprentices are now ready to join their first warships where they will continue with their development.
The RN’s Marine Engineering General Service (MEGS) advanced apprenticeship scheme seeks budding engineers to join the surface fleet as an Engineering Technician for a tailored career of up to 11 years with the opportunity to extend employment to 20 years length of service.
The recruits who joined as leading Hands instead of ETs had all studied an NVQ Framework Level 3 in either Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, passed the RN entry requirements and because of their backgrounds were able to join as LET (ME) on £31,000.
PLET Andrew Mooney, 19, who joined the RN after studying at Energy Coast UTC, Cumbria said: “I heard about the Navy through my UTC.”
“I was really keen to get to get into engineering and after looking at all the options at home it was clear that the Navy offered lots more opportunities.”
“Since I’ve joined I’ve learned lots of news skills and made loads of new mates. I am looking forward to getting out to sea.”
Guest of Honour at the Pass Out, Assistant Chief Of Staff Training, Commodore Andy Cree said: “For each one of the Apprentices, today marks a significant achievement and is the beginning of what is sure to be an exciting and rewarding career in the technologically advanced and innovative Royal Navy.”
“In addition to their core training the MEGS scheme will reward motivated individuals that meet all criteria and demonstrate naval service core values during the 2 year probationary training, with a subsequent onward ‘fast track’ promotion to Petty Officer Engineering Technician.”
“Along with accelerated promotion, these 18 and 19 year olds have developed enhanced leadership skills as well as advanced engineering competences. They will quickly become head of a section of technicians, leading the team to achieve engineering excellence.”
“The Royal Navy continues to work closely with UTCs in order to inspire the engineers and scientists of tomorrow and encourage innovation. It enables the Royal Navy to highlight the variety of exciting roles and opportunities available to engineers, not just within the Royal Navy, but across the whole engineering and scientific community, which in turn, is helping to build a better future for the United Kingdom.”
The Royal Navy works in partnership with a number of UTCs in order to promote Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics. Through events including the RN UTC Challenge at HMS Sultan and visits to see the advanced and sophisticated equipment the Royal Navy operates.
