Case study summary: Through its partnership with Calian UK, PETA delivered a year-long residential engineering programme for technicians employed by BAE Systems Saudi Arabia. This case study highlights how the programme developed technical skills, professional competencies, and workforce readiness through internationally recognised training and qualifications.
Background:
Partnership Overview
Since 2019 PETA Ltd have partnered with Calian UK to design and deliver a comprehensive, year-long residential education programme for technicians employed by BAE Systems Saudi Arabia. The result was a high-impact training solution designed to elevate technical capability, workforce readiness, and professional standards across a cohort of Saudi-based technicians.
The Challenge
BAE Systems Saudi Arabia required a structured, high-quality training programme to:
- Develop technically competent engineering technicians
- Embed internationally recognised standards of engineering practice
- Enhance workforce capability across both technical and professional skill areas
- Deliver measurable qualifications aligned to global benchmarks
Importantly, the programme needed to go beyond core engineering skills to include digital competency, health and safety awareness, and essential functional skills in English and Mathematics.
The Solution
PETA was selected based on its deep expertise in engineering education and apprenticeship delivery within the UK. Working with Calian UK, the team designed a bespoke, full-time residential programme modelled on the UK Level 2 and Level 3 engineering apprenticeship pathways.
The programme was carefully structured to replicate the strong technical foundations typically developed through British apprenticeships, while adapting delivery for an international cohort.
Qualifications Delivered
As part of a yearlong residential training program, participants completed a comprehensive suite of recognised qualifications, including:
- EAL Level 2 Diploma in Engineering
- EAL Level 3 Diploma in Engineering
- IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety & Health) certifications in working safely
- Microsoft-certified digital skills qualifications
- Functional Skills in English and Maths
This multi-layered approach ensured graduates were not only technically capable but also equipped with the broader competencies required in modern engineering environments.
Delivery Approach
The programme was delivered as an immersive residential experience, enabling:
- Consistent engagement and structured learning progression
- Practical, hands-on technical training
- Embedded professional behaviours and discipline
- Continuous assessment and support
The curriculum balanced theoretical knowledge with applied learning, ensuring technicians could translate classroom concepts into real-world engineering practice.
Impact and Outcomes
The programme successfully established a robust pipeline of skilled engineering technicians, delivering:
- Strong alignment with UK engineering standards and practices
- Improved technical proficiency and workplace readiness
- Enhanced awareness of health, safety and compliance standards
- Increased confidence in communication and numeracy skills
- Development of digital capability in line with the modern engineering demands
By replicating the structure and rigor of UK apprenticeships, the programme has contributed to raising technical standards and supporting long-term capability development within BAE Systems Saudi Arabia.
These qualifications and experience now equip the delegates to deliver effective shore-based support for the Al Jawf-class single-role Mine Hunter, a key asset within the Royal Saudi Naval Forces fleet.
At the most recent graduation event, held at the Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson in Portsmouth, UK, Ray Thompson, Maritime and Projects Director at Calian UK, said:
“A proud moment and a real privilege to see this talented naval cohort graduate! It’s a fantastic achievement. My thanks for your hard work, professionalism, and collaboration in delivering such a successful international training programme.”
Looking Ahead
This programme provides a scalable model for future international training initiatives, demonstrating how UK engineering education standards can be effectively adapted to support global workforce development.