GovWire

An apprenticeship with the Defence Electronics and Components Agency (DECA) gives you the opportunity to join us at a time of exciting change and growth.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, DECA provided essential support to the RAF by supplying an Air Separation Unit to the Falkland Islands. The ASU produces liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen and gaseous oxygen essential for the production of oxygen for the King Edward Memorial Hospital in Port Stanley. DECA provided this critical equipment in response to urgent COVID-19 support requirements on the Falklands and also deployed to aid installation during the crisis. Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands presented two DECA personnel with the Commander British Forces medal for their efforts on the project and for helping to ensure the ASU installation was a success.

Assigned the contract to become the global repair hub for the UKs new fighter jet, the F-35, DECA will provide repair, maintenance, overhaul and upgrade of electronic and electrical components, fuel, mechanical and hydraulic systems and ejection seats for the world famous platform. Our involvement in the support solution for F-35 will continue to develop our cutting-edge capabilities and secure investment and growth in our infrastructure and people and continue our proud heritage of providing pivotal support to our Armed Forces for many years to come. Joining our apprentice scheme will provide you with the opportunity to pursue an extremely rewarding career supporting UK Defence and the Armed Forces.

About DECA

We are part of the UK MOD and support UK Armed Forces by providing expert electronic, optronic, avionic, cryptographic and general engineering repair, maintenance, overhaul and upgrade services to MOD and our industry partners. Our peoples skill and expertise make DECA a lean and forward thinking business with an impressive pedigree of military capabilities.We employ around 450 staff in Flintshire and Staffordshire and deployed teams across the UK. As MOD civil servants, our staff can also deploy overseas in direct support of UK military operations.

DECA has exceptional facilities that include:

• purpose built electronic workshops
• fuel pump test facilities
• accredited calibration laboratories
• class 4 Tempest cleared cryptographic maintenance and storage facilities
• audiometric laboratory
• cryogenics school of excellence
• carpentry shops
• engineering work shops

DECA purpose aim and values

Our purpose

To be a trusted MOD and Industry partner, delivering assured electronics and components capability in support of Defence

Our aim

We aim to be a highly professional team delivering benchmark support services to our customers.

Our values

We value our people by:

• creating an environment where all employees are proud to be part of DECA
• engaging with individuals and Trades Unions to include their views in decision making
• offering development opportunities to help realise full potential and recognise achievement
• respecting the knowledge and expertise of all employees and encouraging engagement

We promote teamwork and co-operation by:

• providing inspired leadership, encouraging empowerment and accountability
• working together with each other to achieve our purpose and aims
• actively supporting diversity and valuing everybodys contribution

We care for our customers and stakeholders by committing to:

• understanding our customers needs through the development of strong relationships
• delivering high quality products and reliable services
• responding with urgency and developing agile and forward thinking solutions
• working to nationally and internationally recognised standards and accreditation
• fostering a positive presence in our local community

We deliver best value for defence and continuously improve by:

• striving for excellence in every aspect of our business
• further developing our responsiveness, flexibility and resilience
• being open to change and prepared to manage risk
• developing new capabilities to meet changing Defence requirements

Apprenticeships we are currently recruiting for

Technical Apprenticeship, Sealand 8 vacancies and Stafford 3 vacancies

We offer a three stage MOD sponsored modern apprenticeship

Year 1 full time at college

Successful apprentices will achieve

• NVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations

Year 2 - based at DECA with instructors with college day release

Successful apprentices will achieve:

• BTEC National Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Year 3 - full time at DECA alongside qualified technicians

Successful apprentices will achieve:

• NVQ Level 3 based on specific trade requirement of apprentice

Earn as you learn

• Phase 1 - 15,474 p.a.

• Phase 2 - 18,278 p.a.

• Phase 3 - 19,449 p.a.

Other benefits

• nationally recognised qualifications

• 26.5 days paid annual leave and 9 days public holidays

• generous pension scheme

As an apprentice, you may be offered a permanent role within DECA following successful completion of your apprenticeship and your continued studies to gain a BTEC Higher National Certificate.

We are committed to providing opportunities for employees to further their careers within DECA and the wider MOD and we fully support professional development such as higher education learning, MOD placements and membership of professional associations.