Gordon Henderson MP meets with UK Aerospace Apprentices

9th April 2014
Gordon Henderson MP meets with UK Aerospace Apprentices

On the 2nd April, apprentices from some of Britain’s leading aerospace companies attended a reception in the House of Commons, sponsored by UTC Aerospace Systems which directly employs over 4,000 people in the UK, and organised by ADS Group, the UK aerospace trade association. The event was in recognition of the crucial role apprentices play in the £24bn. UK aerospace industry.

The apprentices were joined by Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson to discuss the many opportunities available in UK aerospace industry.

The event celebrated the valuable contribution of apprentices operating in this important high-end manufacturing sector, and highlighted the world-leading technologies they are working to develop.

Mr Henderson commented:

“The apprentices I met are great Ambassadors for the vibrant and growing UK aerospace industry that exists in the UK. Engineering apprenticeships are hugely important for the future of the UK’s advanced manufacturing industries and it was good to be able to meet a number of young engineers working towards highly-skilled and rewarding aerospace apprenticeships.

“I was particularly pleased to chat to two apprentices from Bae in Rochester, because I worked for GEC Marconi Avionics for almost fifteen years prior to the company being taken over by Bae and I was pleased to see that GEC’s excellent record on apprentices had been maintained.”

Paul Everitt, chief executive of aerospace trade organisation ADS Group commented:

“The UK aerospace industry is world leading and is making a significant contribution to a sustainable economic recovery. Increasing exports will be critical to the overall wellbeing of the UK economy. Achieving success in a competitive export market depends on the skills and capabilities of the young people working within the sector, ongoing investment in new technology and innovation and a long term industrial strategy to give businesses the confidence to continue investing in the UK.

“This annual gathering is important to showcase the huge talent already working in the aerospace sector, and to encourage more young people to consider the opportunities on offer.”

Friday 18th July, at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow (14th-20th) will feature an entire day dedicated to informing and inspiring people aged between 11 and 21 about potential career opportunities in the aerospace industry. Futures Day is offered at no cost for school and college groups that sign up to attend.

Now entering its fourth cycle, Futures Day promises to be bigger and better than ever before with an exciting programme of hands-on activities, as well as the opportunity to meet experts, apprentices and graduates already working in the sector and see some of the world’s most cutting edge aircraft up close and in the air.

Students of schools that are interested in visiting Futures Day at the Farnborough International Airshow should visit http://www.farnborough.com/Content/Futures-Day to find out more.