QinetiQ apprentice and CEO swap jobs
Above: Apprentice Ryan Potter in the boardroom at QinetiQ’s Farnborough HQ.
Ryan Potter, a 21 year-old Mechanical Apprentice at MoD Boscombe Down, took the helm at QinetiQ’s Farnborough headquarters, where he met senior leaders and toured the site to see the company’s technology and innovation in action.
Meanwhile, CEO Steve Wadey returned to his roots as an engineer, assisting the apprentices at MoD Boscombe Down as they removed an engine from a Gazelle helicopter in one of the airfield’s hangars.
Above: Apprentice Luke Barrow at MoD Boscombe Down receives assistance from QinetiQ CEO Steve Wadey.
Ryan said: “This job swap is a chance for the two worlds of senior leaders and apprentices to meet, giving each an insight into what the other does. I had an excellent day up at Farnborough. I really enjoyed visiting the facilities, especially test driving a small truck fitted with an innovative new transmission system. It was really interesting to meet senior leaders and see what they get up to. I’m grateful to have taken part in such a beneficial and exciting experience.”
Steve said: “I had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed my morning of work with apprentices Luke and Dan. They both knew what they were doing and showed impressive competency. I learned a huge amount as well as being motivated by meeting a brilliant team with such enthusiasm and passion.”
Another QinetiQ apprentice, Oliver Shaw, took on the role of Communications Director to plan how the job-swap would be communicated to the media and the company’s employees.
Above: CEO Steve Wadey helps to remove a helicopter engine in the hangars at MoD Boscombe Down.
The project was organised by QinetiQ apprentices taking part in the Brathay Apprentice Challenge, in which teams from different organisations compete in work-related tasks to improve their skills and promote apprenticeships.
Participants showcase their teambuilding, leadership, logistics and communication abilities in the hope of securing one of eight positions in the final and the chance to become apprentice team of the year.
As part of his job-swap, Steve Wadey visited River Bourne Community Farm in Laverstock, where the QinetiQ Brathay team has refurbished a barn into a mini farm enterprise as part of the Challenge.
