At STS Defence in Gosport, the future of engineering is being built today, and that’s not just through cutting-edge technology, but through the people being trained to design, develop and deliver it. The company’s ambitious graduate and apprentice schemes are at the heart of this vision, creating career pathways for young talent and helping to address a national shortage of skilled engineers.

“There’s a real shortage of design engineers across the country, with around 10,000 fewer than we need in the defence sector,” says Ben Stancliffe, Managing Director of STS Defence. “So, we decided to grow our own. These schemes connect us to local people, keep talent in the area, and build the next generation of engineers.”

Developing talent from the ground up

The graduate and apprentice programmes launched last year and have quickly become central to the company’s long-term strategy. The schemes are designed not only to equip participants with technical skills but to give them a deep understanding of how a modern engineering business operates.

STS Defence has built strong partnerships with the universities of Portsmouth, Southampton and Guildford welcoming graduates aged 21 and over alongside apprentices who join from the age of 16.

“We see it as part of our responsibility as a local employer,” Ben explains. “It’s about taking talented young people and helping them to build their careers here in Gosport. A lot of our employees live locally, and we’re proud to be part of this community.”

Ben joined STS Defence three and a half years ago, initially as Finance Director, before stepping into the role of Managing Director 18 months ago.

“I’d spent my career in large corporate environments, so the challenge was joining a smaller business with ambitious growth plans,” he says. “And it’s been incredibly rewarding.”

Living in Portsmouth, Ben cycles a mile and a half from Southsea each morning before catching the Gosport ferry – a commute he describes as “the best in the world”.

Learning across the business

“After running the programme for the first time last year, we asked the graduates and apprentices for their feedback,” says Ben. “One of the main things they told us was that they wanted a better understanding of how the whole business works. This year, we’ve taken that on board and introduced work experience across various departments, including design, marketing, finance, and HR. It gives them a broader insight into what goes into every part of the business and helps them see how decisions are made and how everything connects.”

Mentoring and expert access

Each graduate is paired with a mentor from the senior leadership team.

“We have five mentors, and each mentor takes one or two graduates under their wing,” says Ben, before explaining that it’s not just about offering professional guidance, and that they like to check in on each of their mentees from a personal perspective, too.

“Many graduates for example, are from out of the area and moved for the job, so we like to see how they’re settling in, and help them feel supported. We want to build long-term relationships, make them feel valued, and give them our time. The aim is for them to grow with us and stay with the business for the long term.”

I ask what sets STS Defence’s apprentice and graduate schemes apart. “Because we’re a small business, and our graduates and apprentices get real access to experts. They aren’t just part of a large cohort. They get time with the people who are making decisions, learning from those at the very top of the business, which is incredibly rare.”

When it comes to choosing graduates, Ben explains what qualities he looks for: “We want people with a strong understanding of engineering, of course, but equally important is their engagement and curiosity. We look for genuinely interested graduates who ask intelligent questions, and want to understand not just their work, but the product and the business.”

A growing force in the workforce

The numbers speak for themselves: five graduates joined the scheme in its first year, with seven more added this year, meaning graduates now make up more than 6% of STS Defence’s 200-strong workforce. Alongside them are 12 apprentices, making around 10% of the company’s employee’s trainees in some form.

“We don’t just see these graduates and apprentices as short-term trainees; we see them as the future of our business,” says Ben. “Many of our employees have spent their entire careers here, and we want the same for this next generation. The aim is to give them the skills, support and opportunities to build long, fulfilling careers with us.”

The apprentices complete a three-year programme with one day a week at CEMAST, gaining a Level 3 Advanced qualification. On completion, most move straight into full-time roles, with several progressing into senior positions such as Project Manager or Senior Engineer.

“It’s an inclusive environment,” Ben adds. “We have apprentices who joined from school, others in their 30s or 40s learning new skills later in life. Everyone’s given the opportunity to grow.”

Real impact, real responsibility

The benefits are already tangible. “One of our graduates from last year has been pivotal to one of STS Defence’s major defence projects,” says Ben. “Their work has made a real difference to the progress of that project, and it’s fantastic to see.”

Ben explains how the graduates work on engineering projects that are vital across multiple naval platforms. “They’re building critical equipment for submarines and ships, including components for the engines that power the new Type 26 frigates,” Ben explains. “We design, build and integrate cutting-edge technology that enables our armed forces to defend our nation. Whether it’s at sea, in the sky, or on the ground, we deliver innovative solutions that make a real difference.”

The company’s culture encourages open communication and collaboration, with an emphasis on feedback and continual improvement. “Just this morning, one of our apprentices came to my office to suggest an improvement,” Ben smiles. “That confidence and having the ability to speak up, is exactly what we want to nurture.”

Engineering a legacy

STS Defence has been part of Gosport’s industrial heritage for more than 70 years, tracing its roots back to the 18th century. Today, it designs, builds and integrates advanced communication systems and technologies that serve the UK’s armed forces across land, sea and air.

For Ben, the investment in young people is both a business imperative and a personal mission. “As a father, I know how important those first career opportunities are,” he says. “Watching young people take their first steps, full of energy and ideas, is genuinely inspiring. To be part of that journey and helping them succeed, is a privilege.”

When he’s not leading the company, Ben enjoys long-distance hiking across Europe and snorkelling in Greece’s crystal-clear waters, a reminder of the balance that keeps him grounded as he guides STS Defence into the future.

“We’re proud of our history,” he says. “But what excites me most is the future, and the brilliant people who are going to shape it.”