ONE of Somerset’s biggest employers is keen to continue providing apprenticeships that set people up for life. 

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO), in Admiralty Way, first started offering apprenticeships in 2016 and is excited to develop more courses for people from across the region. 

As well as more established fields, the UKHO is planning to recruit for a range of new roles, including taking on 10 data analyst apprentices.

Amy Carrillo, head of human resources, said: “We are relatively new to the world of apprenticeships but we are really focused on developing our courses as it feels like we are giving something back to people in the area. 

“Our apprenticeships are for all ages, but as we previously hired graduates, we don’t feel like we have tapped into the local community yet. 

“The younger you can get people involved, the wider their interest spreads.” 


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And the company, which works to collect hydrographic and geo-spatial data for navigational products and services, will be offering the new data analyst apprenticeship alongside its existing courses. 

UKHO apprentices join a work force of more than 950 people based in Taunton

Somerset County Gazette:

In the tax year 2015-16, the paper and digital products and services generated a turnover of £139.6 million, enabling the UKHO to pay a £49 million dividend to the Ministry of Defence.

Currently, the office runs apprenticeships in business administration, which spans across the business with different modules, finance AAT, professional apprenticeships such as human resources, cyber security, run with the Ministry of Defence, and IT, which covers software, web and telecommunications.


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The company says it is keen to expand in the increasingly digital world, and that the skills learnt can be transferred to a range of other industries. 

Mrs Carrillo added: “Our work is heading in a digital direction, it is taking us away from paper charts. 

“Offering the apprenticeship gives us another route for skills, but we are competing with the rest of the South West. 

“Data analysis skills are hard to find, it can really set people up for a successful future.” 

The hydrographic company works with Bridgwater and Taunton College as its main training provider, and says it’s really important to maintain good relationships in the area.