03 Nov 2009 | Ref. 208/2009
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BAE Systems Apprentices meet Gordon Brown
Portsmouth, United Kingdom: Apprentices from BAE Systems joined the Prime Minister Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street yesterday to celebrate the success of apprenticeship schemes over the past year.
Craig Fenwick, Lee Blackburn and Alan Murray were among 40 apprentices, union officials and employers, including Nigel Whitehead, BAE Systems’ Group Managing Director Programmes and Support, invited to share their experiences with the Prime Minister and Business Secretary Lord Mandelson.
Apprenticeship schemes have experienced a resurgence recently. A record 250,000 young people across the UK are expected to begin training this year, as awareness of the huge range of career opportunities available through apprenticeships continues to grow. As a major British employer, BAE Systems is a strong advocate of apprenticeships, operating one of the largest schemes in the country, with a further 300 young people set to join the company this autumn.
BAE Systems’ final year joinery apprentice Lee Blackburn, 22, from Gosport, said: “I opted for an apprenticeship because of the diverse range of skills that it offered. It’s a fantastic start to my career and has given me lots of opportunities that I never expected to have – including the chance to meet the Prime Minister.
“It’s a great industry to work in – throughout my training, I’ve had chance to gain hands on experience working on Type 45 destroyers, the most advanced warships in the world, and high tech small boats for special forces. The company’s 15 Terms of Business Agreement with the Ministry of Defence also gives me more job security than many others my age have in the current climate.”
Speaking at the event, TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber, said: “Apprentices are playing a vital role in our economy and unions are playing a big role in working with employers to increase the number of apprentices.
“We want to see the number of apprenticeships increased and to build on the success already achieved. This event showcases that success and highlights the value to both business and the wider economy of apprenticeships.”
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
For further information, please contact:
Kristina Crowe, BAE Systems Surface Ships
Tel: +44 (0) 239 289 6232 Mob: +44 (0)7540628673
kristina.crowe@bvtsurfacefleet.com
Gillian Churchill, BAE Systems Surface Ships
Tel: +44 (0) 141 957 2150 Mob: +44 (0)7540628325
gillian.churchill@bvtsurfacefleet.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384710 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
www.baesystems.com
