SIX busy apprentices are downing tools for a week to prove their leadership skills in a series of challenges – including hiking up Snowdon.
The team are in their third and final phase of training at Defence Munitions Gosport and have just four months left before they finish.
But on Sunday they will leave behind their busy schedule, which sees all them work in various sections at the depot as they study to pass mechanical engineering courses.
The team have planned what food they will need for the six days they will be away from Gosport, as they will be entirely self-sufficient.
The leadership trials pick up from a week of team-building during their initial resource and initiative training two years ago.
Andy Leadbeater, 24, from Gosport, said: ‘For each task we’ll have a designated leader who we’ll pick between ourselves.
‘We haven’t really done any walking training or anything.
‘Because it’s quite out in the middle of nowhere we’ve got Ordnance Survey maps too.
‘We had a course the other day, so we should be able to find where we’ll be going.’
They will stay in hostels near Snowdon before being briefed about the week on Monday, then try out their map-reading and orienteering on Tuesday.
Then on Wednesday they will hike up Snowdon following a route they have planned.
After the long walk they will travel to Bursledon on Thursday to relax with a game of laser tag and then put together a presentation for their apprentice masters and depot managers showing what they have achieved.
Sophie Clelland, 21, from Gosport said: ‘The idea is that everyone shows leadership skills.
‘I think I’m ready – I’m more excited than ready.
‘I know it’s going to be a challenge – I’ve prepared all my equipment.’
It will be a chance for the six to be together as they spend much of their time in different departments.
Andy and Sophie will be joined by fellow apprentices Danny White, 26, of Waterlooville, Andy Reeves, 18, of Stubbington, Elliot Rogers, 20, of Lee-on-the-Solent and Sam Jennings, 20 of Gosport.
The six have already received provisional job offers.
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