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news 5 minutes with… Susan Warwick, Personal Secretary to DSG’s HR Director and Finance Director Susan Warwick was working for the Andover Support Unit before she joined DSG Andover just over 3 years ago. If I weren't talking to you... I’d no doubt be booking or rearranging another meeting There is nothing worse… than not being able to find a parking space when you’re in a hurry! I'm good at... making the tea, so I’m told, that and juggling numerous tasks at the same time. I'm very bad at... putting my own needs first; I do try to please everyone. In moments of weakness... I reach for that extra square of chocolate or a Cadbury’s flake. If I could be anyone else… I’m happy being myself but if pushed then to be able to find a breakthrough within Cancer Research as I’ve lost my mother and two friends in recent years to cancer and it would be very rewarding to give others more hope for the future. I am not a politician but if I were... I’d ensure that English history was compulsory until school leaving age. The most extravagant thing I have ever bought … My red leather Swedish massage chair which cost an arm and a leg but is so worth it! My biggest influence is… My father, who instilled in me a ‘can do’ attitude to life and never let me feel too sorry for myself. My only regret is that 250 miles separate us and I don’t see him as much as I’d like to. The most surprising thing that's ever happened to me was... being recommended for Officer training whilst serving in the TA for the Royal Signals Regiment; that and coming in the Top 6 in the country when I passed my Private Secretary’s Diploma back in the late 1970’s. In 5 years time I hope to… be doing something completely different to what “ I do try to please everyone” I’m doing now and living by the sea somewhere. My fantasy dinner party guests would be… Alistair McGowan, for all of the guests he would bring; Henry VIII, as I’m fascinated by that period in history; Elizabeth Taylor, for her beauty and wit and Michael Bublé who could sing for us all night. From office romance to wedding bliss Who would have thought that when James Harrington, from DSG Corporate HR interviewed Claire Bickerton for a role in Facilities that she would one day become his wife? In true Mills and Boon style, romance blossomed and seven years on, joined by close family and friends, the happy couple tied the knot in a romantic beachfront wedding down under in sunny Australia. James and Claire Harrington, the newlyweds Congratulations and all the best Mr and Mrs Harrington from everyone in DSG. 14 <strong>DIGEST</strong> October/November 2011 www.dsg.mod.uk
news The golden path For over 30 years, MOD has celebrated the success of apprentices. The MOD Apprentice of the Year Gold accolade, coveted by many, has been won several times by apprentices from DSG. The title is open to apprentices in their final phase of training. The competition determines the top three with gold, silver and bronze medals awarded to the apprentices who display the best communication, team working, technical and academic qualities Winning the award has no doubt shaped the future of many rising stars. Six years since winning the title, Digest interviews Chris Adlington, Project Officer Deployed Level 4 Equipment Support to find out what he has been up to. Who are you working for? I recently completed a secondment to PJHQ working on the Equipment Sustainability System Regeneration Capability (ESS RC) project as an Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) manager. In my new role I am continuing to work within the ESS RC project, as a member of the newly established UK Support team, specifically looking after the deployed level 4 equipment support portfolio. What have you been doing since graduating? After completing my apprenticeship, I secured a role in the Donnington Optronics department as an Instrument technician. Shortly after, I transferred to the Planning and Estimating department of A Vehicles as a progressor. On temporary promotion, I worked as a Contract Repair manager for the A and B vehicles department before I transferred to the Electronics, Components Business Unit (ECBU) as a Planner Estimator. The job changed considerably from just planning and estimating into an Account Officer’s role, providing support and assistance to the Product and Key Account managers and the ECBU Business Development team. I also took on the Unit Repair manager’s job for the Electro Optic Device and Electronic Counter Measure section for nine months before taking up the C2 grade post I am now doing. How did winning the AOY title shape your future? I knew I wanted to move into managerial roles and winning the title of Apprentice of the Year title definitely helped. When I won, I had the opportunity to shadow managers in different departments in the business. The exposure gave me insight into the managerial operation of the business, which was good grounding in helping me realise which direction I wanted to take my career. It also gave me the confidence to go for the jobs I want and set my career goals higher. What was the highlight of your career to date? I really enjoyed working as an Account Officer. I found the challenges of maintaining customer satisfaction and developing new opportunities very rewarding and allowed me to develop working relationships with the Production team. What are your views on apprenticeship schemes? The real world is not as written in textbooks. In my opinion, apprenticeships are essential to allow hands on experience, which is sometimes the best way to learn. Also, it is so valuable to have a mentor with years of experience who shares theories as well as practical elements in a real environment. An apprenticeship allows academic development and sets the foundation for a chosen trade. What are your future aspirations? I want to keep developing my management skills, experience all areas of the business and ultimately have the skills to allow me to run a Business Unit. Competing for Tom Nevard North Glasgow College recently held the annual Tom Nevard Memorial competition. The competition comprises of elements in mechanical machining and general fitting, mechanical hand skills and general fitting, electronic and engineering project management. Richard Edwards, an apprentice from DSG Colchester, recently flew up to Scotland to compete. After arriving at the campus Richard met up with the other competing MOD apprentices for dinner. The next morning they made their way to the college for a welcome presentation and orienteering tour. Richard told Digest, “I was involved in the individual hand skills bench work and we were given the basic equipment to use including files, engineer square, blue up and scribes. Our task was to complete a project by the end of the week. There were teachers who were able to explain and provide advice and supply any additional equipment we required. Although, we were competing against each other, there was a great sense of camaraderie amongst the apprentices with some sharing valuable advice. It was a great week and I thoroughly enjoyed being able to take part. Fingers crossed I have done well and win an award.” Richard Edward www.dsg.mod.uk October/November 2011 <strong>DIGEST</strong> 15
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