A group of Royal Navy engineers have embarked on a Plymouth-based warship as a part of a new training scheme.
A group of 30 sailors from the newly-formed Engineering Training Squadron joined HMS Northumberland in Devonport Naval Base. The new recruits have just completed the second part of their Navy training at HMS Collingwood and Sultan.
This new opportunity gives them the chance to put their skills into action on board an operational warship. The engineers will get a true taste of life at sea, working and living on HMS Northumberland for six weeks.
They will be working closely with the experienced crew on the ship, ensuring they get the best possible training for their future Navy career.
Amongst the fresh-faced sailors was engineering technician Andrew Chambers, 29 from North Yorkshire, he said: “I’m really excited about this opportunity; it’s great to have completed my phase-two training.”
He added: “Everyone from the ship has been very welcoming, I can’t wait to get out to sea so they can start to show us life working on board a Royal Navy ship.”
The ship’s commanding officer, Tristam Kirkwood, said: “I am delighted to welcome the first students from the Engineering Training Squadron to HMS Northumberland. This is an excellent opportunity for us to provide relevant and focussed on-job training right at the start of their careers, in preparation for their first assignment.”
He added: “With a demanding period of sea training ahead, there is no better time for them to be with us.”
Once the squadron have completed their six weeks on HMS Northumberland, their engineering training will continue with tailored programmes in Devonport Naval Base working in workshops or on ships alongside.
The programme aims to increase their engineering knowledge which will then aid them, their ships and the Royal Navy in their future careers.
