A CUTTING-edge defence firm has taken on its biggest ever intake of young trainees.

Atlas Elektronik, which specialises in innovative maritime and technology, welcomed 17 apprentices and graduates to a team-building day.

They tackled a series of challenges as part of their induction with the company on the Dorset Innovation Park at Winfrith.

Atlas Elektronik UK (AEUK) has a 400-strong workforce at Winfrith and specialises in maritime technology and systems, including sonars, mine countermeasures, combat systems, underwater communications, hydro acoustics and maritime security.

Russell Warren, human resources director, said: “As AEUK continues to grow at Winfrith we’re recruiting increasing numbers of talented young employees, including many from the local area.

“The teambuilding day gave this year’s intake the chance to get to know each other and settle in at AEUK.

“Our focus is on developing our people to help the company grow and give them the opportunity to progress their careers with us.”

The group was split into teams to tackle the ‘AEUK Maritime Mission’. This included designing their own brand and team name, creating a structurally sound bridge out of spaghetti, marshmallows and sweets, building model boats out of Plasticine, raising an alarm and fixing the electricity on a circuit board, and a final race to the finish line with question time.

Apprenticeships are offered across the company, including in engineering, accountancy, mechatronics, IT, and business administration.

The scheme has been running since 2015. AEUK believes in nurturing young talent and sponsors three local schools for their Dorset Young Chamber membership.

AEUK won the Outstanding Contribution to Apprenticeships Award and the Young Chamber Award at the 2017 Dorset Business Awards.

AEUK also has an Institution of Mechanical Engineers accredited graduate scheme to help engineering graduates achieve professional recognition.

As well as its Winfrith headquarters, the company has waterside test facilities at Bincleaves in Weymouth and Portland Marina. It is the largest subsidiary in the Atlas Elektronik Group.