MAT Kosovo’s Apprentice Scheme is in its 3rd year. Chiara Torelli tells us more about why it is such a worthy scheme

MAT Kosovo’s Apprentice Scheme is in its 3rd year.
Chiara Torelli tells us more about why it is such a worthy scheme

Three years in, and MAT Kosovo’s apprentice scheme continues to create valuable pathways into the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) field.  The team currently includes three apprentices supporting the training staff, myself included. Like those who came before us, we arrived with little or no EOD experience, joining an inclusive team that met us with a judicious combination of supportive mentoring and ‘in at the deep end’ challenges.

Chiara in MAT Kosovo uniform against the backdrop of theAlbanian Alps.

The training team at MAT Kosovo is a well-oiled machine: the instructors instruct, passing on the fruit of their extensive training and experience; the interpreters interpret, helping us to expand our reach and ensu re our training is accessible to those who need it; the assistants assist, bringing their knowledge of munitions, clearance, and technology to bear on practical set-ups and student exercises; and the apprentices – well, they get a little taste of everything.

The scheme enables those interested in EOD to plant their foot firmly in the door: working with experienced operators, training students from diverse backgrounds, and taking Level 2 and Level 3 EOD courses themselves. In the end, though, we will emerge from our contracts with much more than our Level 3 qualification. We’re developing a profound knowledge of global munitions and ordnance, insight into how they’re deployed or abandoned in different contexts, a solid grasp of established and emerging EOD tools and technologies, practical experience organising teams and facilities — and, most importantly, valuable relationships with EOD operators worldwide.

Chiara and her IMAS EOD Level 1&2 classmates on their very first day.

Our main duties include preparing the munitions and equipment students will use for their practical exercises: setting up ordnance recognition circuits, EOD scenarios, and equipment demonstrations per the instructor’s requirements. We keep equipment ready and well maintained, and make sure instructors have what they need to deliver their courses effectively. We definitely also grab sneak peeks d

uring practicals and scan through the learning material – but we get most of our learning in by doing the job to the best of our ability. In between courses or in quieter periods, we support the general maintenance of the facilities, the creation or repair of training aids and equipment, and generally assist the instructors and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in whatever capacity they require. I’ve been getting ahead studying for my Level 3, but I’ve always been a bit of an over-achiever in that way.

It’s not all work, work, work. At the weekends, Chiara getsto indulge her passion for horse riding and trekking

I’m also learning a lot by simply absorbing the expertise and discussions that go on around me on a daily basis. The training team – and the whole facility – is truly a repository of experience and knowledge. People say ‘full immersion’ is the best way to learn — and MAT Kosovo’s apprentice scheme is exactly that: a full-immersion EOD bootcamp. The skills I’m picking up — from EOD operations to equipment maintenance and training logistics — and the contacts I’m making will carry me forward in my EOD career when I finish my apprenticeship and spread my wings.

 As the late Stu Burgess was fond of saying: Happy days.