Apprentice Alex now a valued member of the Viper team

When microwave and millimetre-wave product company Viper RF relocated to Aycliffe Business Park it came to SWDT for advice on engineering apprenticeships.

And 18 months after recruiting apprentice Alex Fitt, 21, of Darlington, as an Engineering Technician, he has become a valued member of the Viper team.

Dr Pratik Deshpande, Engineering Manager at Viper RF, said: “When Viper RF relocated its manufacturing facilities to Aycliffe Business Park, we approached SWDT for advice on engineering apprenticeships.

“We were fully supported through the process, from advertising the role, shortlisting and initial assessments of potential candidate through to selection.

“We recruited Alex in September 2022 as an Engineering Technician - Technical Support Advanced Apprentice. We were kept fully informed of his progress and attendance and had regular contact with SWDT’s Senior Business Development Advisor Richard Wright, as well as relevant tutors through his first year of practical engineering.

“Alex already had a Level 3 engineering qualification so alongside the apprenticeship we chose to sponsor him through his Level 4 HNC in General Engineering, again through SWDT, on a day release model.

“He is continuing to carry out his Development Competence Level 3 qualification in the workplace. Alex is a valued member of the Viper team and with SWDT’s ongoing support we are sure he will continue his development on the engineering pathway.”

Viper RF offers bespoke design, manufacture and testing of semiconductor chips and components for RF, microwave and millimetre wave markets including aerospace, defence and communications.

Richard Wright, Senior Business Development Advisor at SWDT, added: “When Alex joined he didn’t fully understand the complexity of the role he was going into, and the unique product he was going to be manufacturing. “He is a genuinely pleasant young man, who is enthusiastic to learn and is always asking questions. I am sure he will make a very good engineer of the future, and I am sure will remain a key member of the Viper RF team.”

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