Why Dorset teenager opted for apprenticeship instead of university

Available for over a year

COVID-19 has raised significant challenges for young people trying to find a job. Levels of home working are increasing, so opportunities for youngsters to develop key skills sought-after by employers are thin on the ground. Therefore, apprenticeships remain a highly effective alternative route into the workplace, including those who decide against a university education. 18 year old Oliver Whyton has recently secured an engineering apprenticeship at HeliOperations on Portland in partnership with Yeovil College - part of an Aerospace Engineering Level 6 Bachelor's Degree course. HeliOps trains search and rescue operations to overseas aircrew in Sea King helicopters - the work horse aircraft that's now being given a second lease of life since it ended its military flying days four years ago. Over the next three years, under the guidance of the company's experienced team of engineers, Oliver will learn about the aircraft systems and acquire skills to compliment his academic studies. BBC Radio Solent's Laurence Herdman went to meet Oliver Whyton and the HeliOperations chief engineer Rob Henderson..