Welcoming the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory

Written by Calvin Bowers
developingastudent

Developing a Student is proud to welcome our latest early-careers committed employer to our directory and opportunities board, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.

Most importantly, the Dstl has joined our network of employers because they share our commitment to supporting students and graduates. They are dedicated to early careers employment and show this through a commitment to hands-on development and learning. They encourage a supportive environment which allows young people to find their feet in the workplace.

Who are the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory?

The Dstl are a world-leading organisation that has one goal: to protect lives. They use world-leading science and technology to keep the UK safe and secure. The endeavour to make significant scientific advancements that can ensure all our safety, and evolve sufficiently as the world around us does.

Formed in 2001, they are a vital part of the Ministry of Defence. They have three core values which are reflected throughout the organisation, and across all its employees. The Dstl are proud to describe themselves as innovative, collaborative and impactful. These values are illustrated in their team’s broad range of backgrounds and disciplines.

Early Careers

The Dstl are committed to diversity and inclusion in every part of their organisation. They offer ‘agile working’ to their staff, including options such as part-time, job-share, reduced-hours, compressed hours, home-working and other flexible arrangements. While many people believe that a flexible working practice is only necessary and useful to those further in their career, with families or other large commitments, Dstl recognises how all staff can benefit from this flexibility, including students and graduates.

The Dstl show their commitment to early careers by being a proud and active member of the 5% club. The 5% club is a movement of employers that aim to develop their workforce by achieving at least 5% of their staff in ‘earn and learn’ positions. This includes any role in which the employee continues to learn, train, and develop their skills for the role whilst having a hands-on role in the organisation. For example, apprenticeships, student and graduate placements and formal training schemes.

Every year Dstl recruit around 80 graduates and 150 students from a wide range of STEM backgrounds. They support graduates with a minimum salary of £21,000 and offer feedback sessions throughout the year to track progress and provide any necessary support. Dstl also supports its placement’s early careers with funding a membership for two professional bodies or accreditations for all their staff. This will be incredibly helpful to those beginning their science and technology career.

Opportunities for Students and Graduates

Developing a Student’s opportunities board has a range of jobs, schemes and opportunities available for you to apply for in the Dstl. these include:

  • Graduate role: Counter-Terrorism and Security Division
  • Summer placement: Cyber & Information Systems Division
  • Graduate role: Mathematical modeller

Check out our dedicated page on Ministry of Defense Graduate Jobs for more opportunities.

For more information on science and technology careers, have a look at our graduate careers paths.

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Last Updated: Wednesday June 14 2023
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