Finmeccanica Apprentices meet Skills Minister, Matthew Hancock MP at the House of Commons

London, 17 April 2013 – Apprentices from Finmeccanica companies, AgustaWestland and Selex ES, attended an apprenticeship reception in the House of Commons yesterday, jointly hosted by aerospace trade organisation ADS Group and Emma Reynolds MP. Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for aerospace.The event was in recognition of the role apprentices play in the £24bn. UK aerospace industry. 

Apprentices from AgustaWestland’s facility in Yeovil, and Selex ES sites in Basildon, Luton and Edinburgh, had an opportunity to meet with their counterparts from other companies up and down the country and many were introduced to their local MPs who were in attendance, to discuss the many opportunities available in UK aerospace.

The event, which follows the launch of the joint industry and Government strategy for the future of UK aerospace through the Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP), celebrated the valuable contribution of apprentices operating in this important wealth-producing sector, and highlighted the advanced technological developments they are working to develop. The keynote at the reception was provided by Skills Minister Matthew Hancock MP.

Delivering his key note address, Skills Minister Matthew Hancock MP said:

“This is an exciting time for the Aerospace industry. Our decision to invest over £1 billion over the next seven years, matched by business, to create an Aerospace Technology Institute, represents an historic opportunity for the sector.

“Apprentices – like those here today - will be a key part of that, helping to ensure the UK sustains its position at the forefront of global aerospace manufacturing.”

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

“The UK aerospace industry is the largest in Europe and second only to the US globally. It contributes over £24 billion to the economy each year and employs around 230,000 workers both directly and indirectly. Around 3,000 of these are apprentices. The skills and capabilities they are developing today will help drive growth across the UK aerospace industry in the years ahead.

“The future of the aerospace sector rests in the hands of this bright young talent. The Aerospace Growth Partnership, a unique collaboration between industry and Government, is helping to ensure the UK is best placed to maintain the UK’s share of growing and highly competitive global markets.”

Both AgustaWestland and Selex ES are prime example of the vibrant and growing UK aerospace industry that exists across the United Kingdom. At a time when it is particularly difficult for young people to find a job, the sector is providing highly-skilled and rewarding apprenticeships all across the UK. 

Finmeccanica continues to invest significantly in its successful apprenticeship scheme in the UK, despite increased business pressures and declining defence budgets, with some 350 trainees with 220 participating in the Finmeccanica National Apprentice Scheme.  The apprentices participate in a 4 year training programme which focuses on either engineering or business skills. The scheme, which involves Finmeccanica companies such as AgustaWestland and Selex ES, has been awarded an “Outstanding” grading by OFSTED.