On behalf of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) and our wider partners across Defence, we’re proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) by shining a light on the people, pathways and practical experiences that build Skills for Life.
This week, we’re showcasing stories from apprentices across the DNE, like Hamza who shares his experience below – to highlight how variety, belonging and purposeful work combine to accelerate careers.
The apprenticeship has challenged me, pushed me to grow and opened up opportunities I never expected. It’s given me a clearer direction for my future and the skills for life that I’ll carry forward into my career.
Hamza DNE Apprentice.
My Experience as an OME Apprentice
Starting the Ordnance Munitions and Explosives (OME) apprenticeship with the Ministry Of Defence (MoD) has given me exposure to defence engineering that I don’t think I could have gained anywhere else at this early stage in my career. Rotating between different teams has allowed me to see how the Enterprise works as a whole and how each area contributes to the wider Defence mission.
One of the biggest advantages has been the constant movement and variety. Every rotation brings new people, new systems and a new way of working. No two days are the same, and that variety has kept me engaged, motivated and always learning. Understanding how we keep people, equipment and operations safe has been a rewarding challenge, and it’s an area I can see myself pursuing long term.
Moving away from home for this apprenticeship was a huge shift. I left behind the comfort of family, familiar routines and long‑standing friendships. Adjusting to independent living while balancing work and study was a noticeable lifestyle change, but it made the experience even more valuable. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, built my confidence and taught me how to take responsibility for my own development, something that’s benefitted me both inside and outside of work. Looking back, it has absolutely been worth it for both the professional experience and the personal growth.
A project I’m particularly proud of is the risk matrix work I led on. It tested my technical understanding, my research skills and my ability to work proactively. I reviewed multiple reports, interpreted regulatory requirements, built hazard assessments and presented my findings to a panel. It was one of the first times I took full ownership of a piece of work from start to finish, and seeing it progress toward submission to the Safety Regulators was a real highlight.
Outside the technical work, I’ve built a social network of other apprentices and colleagues, many of whom also moved away from home for the first time. Whether it’s attending apprentice socials, taking part in after-work activities or exploring new places together, these experiences have made the transition much easier. They’ve given me a sense of community and belonging that I really value, especially being far from home.
Overall, the apprenticeship has challenged me, pushed me to grow and opened up opportunities I never expected. The constant movement and fresh experiences have shaped both my technical skills and my confidence. It’s given me a clearer direction for my future and the skills for life that I’ll carry forward into my career.
