Meet Sion Cox, SPMT Trainee Operator at Osprey Group

As National Apprenticeship Week continues, discover how a passion for the marine industry and hands-on skills in engineering and logistics are helping Sion Cox thrive in his apprenticeship.

“I tell people I work with big machines; cranes, barges, SPMTs. It’s challenging, and every day brings something new!”

Sion Cox gets to work with one of the coolest and most versatile remote-controlled vehicles anywhere in the world.

That’s because Osprey Group operates one of the largest fleets of self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) in the UK. These huge vehicles combine single 4-axle and 6-axle trailers in various configurations side-by-side or end-to-end, with multiple axle lines all controlled by a hand-held unit.

Sion began his apprenticeship to become a trainee operator of SPMTs with Osprey Group nearly 12 months ago. He’s learning to drive and maintain the vehicles, understand the software that runs them, following safety procedures as well as learning about the use of ancillary equipment, such as rigging and pipe racks.

Passion for the marine environment

Sion initially considered joining the Royal Navy after leaving school but ended up working on a building site driving a skid-steer loader. His passion for the marine environment comes from his grandfather and uncle, who both owned boats.

He said: “I fancied a change from the building site. My dad works for Osprey Group and told me they were looking for new talent. I thought I’d give it a go and apply for an apprenticeship. It’s the best thing that could have happened to me.”

Valuable experience

So far, Sion has gained first-hand experience of marine operations on the North East coast at Osprey Group’s port service in Blyth in Northumberland, and on the South West coast at Combwich Wharf.

Here, Osprey Group handles the safe delivery of large equipment by barge and SPMT to Hinkley Point C, the UK’s new nuclear power station being built on Europe’s largest construction site.

Sion added: “Every day is a great day, no matter what I’m doing or where I’m working.

“I love the marine industry, but the best thing is the atmosphere. Everyone is really nice and encouraging, and they do their best to help if I’m stuck on something. It’s the perfect apprenticeship for me!”