ADSL Attracts Young Talent: Alfie’s Inspiring Work Experience Week and a Successful Apprenticeship Assessment Day for the Capital Projects Team

In a recent early careers project, fifteen-year-old student Alfie Hands from St John’s Secondary School in Marlborough, completed a transformative work experience programme with Aspire Defence Services Limited (ADSL) teams in Tidworth and Bulford, leaving a lasting impact on the team with his exceptional engagement and enthusiasm. 

The work experience initiative, aligned with ADSL’s commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering community relationships, aims to provide students with an immersive understanding of the diverse facets of the business. 

Throughout the first week of July, Alfie joined teams from Kannada House and the Aspire Business Centre in Tidworth and Bulford, gaining first-hand experience of various operational aspects of the business. The programme concluded with a presentation lunch, where Alfie showcased his accomplishments to managers involved in his week-long journey. 

Alfie began the week with the Helpdesk, Resource, and Performance Analysis teams, thoroughly enjoying his time in Performance Analysis. He then spent the next two days with the Data and CAD teams, as well as the Drone team, before honing his CV writing and interview skills in the afternoon. 

Alfie’s final two days were spent with the Capital Projects and Procurement Teams, concluding with the Finance team, where he delivered a remarkable presentation. Managers praised Alfie’s dedication and genuine enthusiasm, which was evident throughout his journey. 

During his well-received presentation, Alfie reflected on his enjoyment of Performance Analysis, emphasising his interest in statistical analysis and finance. “My favourite part of the week was Performance Analysis; I enjoy working with statistics and finances,” he said. 

Inspired by his work experience at ADSL, Alfie is now considering a school leaver apprenticeship as an alternative to pursuing A-levels at a local Sixth Form College. As part of his work experience, Alfie had the privilege of receiving guidance from Amy Tyrer, ADSL HR Advisor, who equipped him with essential skills for crafting impressive CVs, mastering interview techniques, and navigating the apprenticeship application process. 

Alfie’s participation in the work experience programme marks a significant milestone for ADSL as the first student to undertake such an initiative in the post-pandemic era. Building on this success, ADSL eagerly anticipates providing two additional students with an enriching and enjoyable work experience journey like Alfie’s. 

The work experience week is just one of several early career initiatives being trialled by ADSL to attract skilled and promising talent to its growing workforce. In June, the company successfully organised its highly interactive Apprenticeship Assessment Day, where exceptional candidates demonstrated practical skills, effective communication, strong teamwork, active listening, leadership qualities, confidence, and time management abilities through engaging activities. Assessors closely observed their exceptional performance, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their situational judgment and logical reasoning skills. 

ADSL remains committed to offering valuable workplace exposure to students and school leavers, fostering community relationships with local schools, and empowering young talents to grow with confidence. 

 

Assessors from the Capital Projects and HR Teams at the Apprenticeship Assessment Day in June 2023

HR Director, Sundae Spiers and Learning, Development and Engagement Manager, Pietro Mistretta speaking with the candidates during the CPT Apprenticeship Assessment Day in June 2023