News story

58 new apprentices to work on naval ships

Launch of new apprenticeship campaign celebrates benefits of being an apprentice at British companies like BAE Systems.

• From: Ministry of Defence
• Published: 21 August 2014

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

BAE Systems apprentices at their Glasgow site

58 new apprentices had their first day at work starting careers that will see them designing and building naval ships including the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers and new Offshore Patrol Vessels. BAE Systems opened its doors in Glasgow to the new apprentices who will learn invaluable skills to progress their future careers.

As part of an apprenticeship campaign launched today by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills and the Skills Funding Agency, the Ministry of Defence is supporting calls to boost the number of apprentices employed across the country. The ‘Get in. Go far’ campaign demonstrates the Government’s commitment inspiring young people to earn while they learn by taking on an apprenticeship which will allow them to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

Apprenticeships are at the heart of the Government’s drive to equip people with the skills they need to help the economy thrive. Having made a commitment to create 2 million apprenticeships over the lifetime of the current parliament, apprenticeships are something the government truly believes in.

Last month an apprentice from QinetiQ spent the day with Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Philip Dunne MP to learn how his work fits in to defence as a whole. Mr Dunne said:

I see everyday the contribution that British apprentices make to businesses across the country to ensure that our Armed Forces have the best equipment, technology and support in the world. The defence industry generates over £22 billion turnover for the economy each year and by supporting hard working apprentices and boosting their skills we are securing the UK’s economic future.

It was great to have Mike here as part of his apprenticeship to be able to give him some insight in to how his work contributes to the safety of our nation.

For more information on apprenticeships and the apprentices that are being featured in the campaign, visit the website here

Published 21 August 2014