The Defence Academy of the United Kingdom is proud to celebrate two of our talented degree apprentices, Harrison Leigh and Thomas Susca, who are making valuable contributions across the organisation.
Both apprentices are spending their time embedded within the Defence College for Military Capability Integration’s Light Weapons Wing.
Harrison has a long-standing interest in engineering and a strong preference for hands‑on, practical learning. Coming from a military family, he has been exposed to defence from an early age, which inspired his ambition to build a career in the sector.
He particularly enjoys the balance between academic study and real-world experience. The opportunity to rotate through different placement teams every six to eight months, keeps his work varied, engaging, and rich with opportunities to travel and learn from specialists.
Tom specialises in mechatronics engineering and has always been driven towards this field. Joining the apprenticeship scheme offered the ideal blend of study and practical work, giving him the chance to apply learning from the classroom directly to live projects.
It has allowed him to take on a wide variety of tasks and collaborate with experienced professionals, helping him develop his skills and broaden his understanding of the field.
What they're working on
Both apprentices have contributed to several exciting and impactful projects during their time at the Academy.
One of their current research tasks is developing a new weapons‑tracking database system, designed to catalogue and store information on all armoury assets. This modernised system replaces previous paper‑based recording processes, improving efficiency, accessibility, and accuracy.
What drew them to the Academy
Both Harrison and Tom were inspired to apply after seeing a presentation on a previous cohort’s research project involving 3D‑printed firearms. Their interest in emerging technologies, and the opportunity to work on meaningful, real‑world defence projects, made the apprenticeship an ideal fit.
Advice for future apprentices
Harrison and Tom encourage anyone considering an apprenticeship to:
- take full advantage of every opportunity available
- be proactive in contributing to your team and seeking additional responsibilities
- volunteer to take minutes during high‑level meetings. This shows initiative, provides insight into decision‑making, and helps you understand how meetings work within your organisation
- make the most of external visits and trips, which can expand your network, expose you to different workplaces, and deepen your understanding of the industry
- challenge yourself by taking independent ownership of tasks. Completing work independently and seeking constructive feedback helps identify skill gaps and encourage continual growth
The Defence Academy wishes Harrison, Tom, and all apprentices across the country every success in their apprenticeships. Their hard work and enthusiasm embody the spirit of lifelong learning and professional development that the Academy is proud to support.