The Defence College of Electro-Mechanical Engineering (DCEME) was established on 1 April 2004 in order to bring together a number of separate Service training organisations, all of which were delivering forms of electro-mechanical engineering. By bringing these schools together and exploiting synergies, training delivery and output were improved and efficiency and effectiveness increased.

The College consists of a Headquarters based at HMS SULTAN, Gosport; the Royal Naval School of Marine Engineering (RNSME), also at HMS SULTAN; The School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (SEME) based at Bordon; the School of Electronic and Aeronautical Engineering (SEAE) at Arborfield; the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers’ (REME) Arms School also at Arborfield; and the Number 4 School of Technical Training based at MOD St Athan.

While each of the schools has specific aims, set by customers covering all 3 Services, the principal task of DCEME as a whole is to deliver the required number of competently trained and motivated technicians and engineers to meet the demands of the Armed Forces. Furthermore, the college seeks to do this in partnership with other training providers, including external companies, in order to deliver the best value for money for defence without compromising standards.

Our Mission

In partnership, to deliver the required number of competent and highly motivated technicians and engineers to the Armed Forces.

Our Objectives

• Deliver the required training output taking account of input and resources.
• Improve the quality of life for trainees and staff.
• Prepare for transition to DTR.
• Enhance the reputation of the Armed Forces.
• Achieve value for money in relation to training delivered.
• Deliver training and support services to commercial and international customers where spare capacity exists.

Headquarters DCEME

Provides command, control and oversight of all DCEME schools to enable the delivery of quality training.

Royal Naval School of Marine Engineering

RNSME delivers all professional marine engineering training to officers, artificers and mechanics of the Royal Navy as well as increasing numbers from the Royal Logistic Corps' Port and Maritime Regiment and the Royal Air Force. It trains up to 8,500 students per year across nearly 1200 different courses. These courses range from Systems Engineering and Management Courses for British and foreign Marine Engineer Officers; through ME Artificers’ Training and Engineering Technician courses to particular engineering disciplines. This latter includes providing training in the principles of operation and maintenance of electrical systems including electrical power generation, distribution and electrical propulsion equipment; systems management, administration, maintainer and operator procedural training using a number of machinery control simulators; specialist training in ship structures, stability, environmental compliance, lifting, slinging and Health & Safety issues; practical training in the operation and maintenance of machinery including: gas turbines, diesel engines, outboard motors, transmissions, refrigeration and chilled water plants, hydraulic systems and a wide variety of auxiliary machinery currently fitted in HM Ships; Engineering Administration and Management as well as the provision of practical engineering trades, ranging from basic fitting and turning through coppersmithing and pipework to highly skilled nuclear welding.

The School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering

SEME's role is to provide the Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) with trained Regular and Territorial Army, electro-mechanical tradesmen. Additionally it provides training for Royal Marines, Royal Air Force and civilian equipment support staff, together with Foreign and Commonwealth officers and soldiers. The School is organised on the basis of a Headquarters, a Technical Training Wing and SEME Regiment. The Regiment is responsible for all administration and regimental training undertaken by both staff and students. Technical training, amounting to about 90% of output, is provided under contract by Vosper Thornycroft (Bordon). Military ethos and Recovery Mechanic training is provided by a REME and RM military training delivery wing using the large, heathland training areas surrounding Bordon.

The trades taught in the School are:

• Armourer.
• Vehicle Mechanic.
• Recovery Mechanic.
• Technical Support Specialist. (Technical Storemen)
• Metalsmith.
• REME Artificer (Vehicles) & Artificer (Weapons)

The training is provided in a progressive manner with tradesmen returning to the School at various stages of their careers to further the scope and depth of their technological knowledge. Over 450 courses of over 150 different course types are provided by the School, whilst at any time up to 1200 students are in training. Every year, over 4,000 students undertake training at SEME.

The School of Electronic and Aeronautical Engineering

SEAE delivers a wide range of courses to technicians and engineers from the Army, the RN, the RAF, MOD Agencies and international Armed Forces. The school trains approximately 1130 students per year on a range of 53 different courses.

The trades taught in the school are:

• Avionics Technician
• Aircraft Technician
• Electronic Technician.

Number 4 School of Technical Training

No 4 SOTT delivers the Phase 2 and 3 training in a range of electrical, mechanical and workshop skills to approximately 300 students a year across 90 courses.

The trades taught are:

• General Technician (Mechanical)
• General Technician (Electrical)
• General Technician (Workshop)

The REME Arms School

The REME AS’ role is to develop the military and engineering command skills of REME officers and soldiers and other equipment support staff in order to meet the operational requirements of the Armed Forces. The School trains over 2000 students each year and runs about 30 different courses. The courses range from career courses for REME soldiers and officers to Health and Safety, Quality Management, European Foundation Qualtiy Management (EFQM) and specialist Equipment Support courses. As well as training students, the School offers a range of consultancy services in areas such as Equipment Support matters and General Management issues.