Fatherly pride as daughter finishes Sultan training
A MARINE ENGINEER has celebrated with pride after watching his daughter ‘pass out’ from initial engineering training at HMS Sultan and also joining his own department; thus achieving the ultimate task of “keeping it in the family” within the Royal Navy and the Gosport training establishment.
Engineering Technician Initial Career Course (ETICC) Deputy Training Officer, WO1 Scott Whiting watched the recent ceremony of Heidi, who joined the Royal Navy in February as she trained as an Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering) on an Accelerated Apprenticeship scheme.
After completing 10 weeks Phase One training at HMS Raleigh, learning basic military skills, Heidi joined HMS Sultan for Phase Two, developing professional skills on the ETICC. Completion of ETICC sees trainees equipped with the necessary skills to join their first Marine Engineering Departments at Sea, supporting Royal Navy Operations around the Globe.
With Heidi’s selection on an advanced apprenticeship, she has been fast-tracked into Phase 3 training at HMS Sultan and will soon be learning leadership skills. She will then be allocated her first ship with her professional pathway also offering further opportunities to gain a Foundation Degree in Engineering from the University of Portsmouth.
It is hoped that she will follow her father’s footsteps with Scott joining as an Artificer Apprentice back in 1984; going on to serve as a Marine Engineering Technician on multiple ships including HMS Intrepid, Ark Royal, Brazen, Brave, Hurworth, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Enterprise over the last four decades.
He has been awarded a medal for operations in the Gulf alongside those for the Gold, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilees of Queen Elizabeth II, whilst he was also received the Long Service & Good Conduct award with two clasp bars. This was awarded in recognition over 35 years of distinguished service, which has taken him across the Globe.
Scott took on his present role in ETICC just three weeks prior to the completion of his daughter’s training. Reflecting, Heidi said: “I always knew that joining the Royal Navy was going to be an option. There are many reasons as to why I wanted to join but my dad has played a big part in this. From being small he would take me down into the engine rooms during families’ days on ship, and I believe this is where it started.”
“I studied engineering at college which has landed me being successful in the selection for the Accelerated Apprenticeship Scheme for Marine Engineering, therefore since completing my course at ETICC I will be staying at HMS Sultan to complete my Phase 3, leading hands course and I am looking forward to what my future role will be.”
Scott said: “I’m very proud to be directly involved with my daughter’s passing out into the Branch as a Marine Engineer – something I thought I would never see! And that she is following in the modern version of my Naval apprenticeship makes it even more remarkable.
“Initially I was concerned that taking over the role there, might cause a conflict of interests, however, the divisional staff within my team handled what could be a delicate area with expert professionalism. With 40 years of Naval service, my role within ETICC will be my last before I retire. I hope that Heidi will also enjoy a long and successful career.”
PICTURED BY STU HARRIS: Father Scott Whiting (HMS Sultan PH2 WO, WO1) and daughter Heidi Whiting (HMS Sultan PH2 WO, WO1 Scott Whiting and PLET ME) pose for photograph after ceremony.
