Parliamentarians celebrate UK apprentices at House of Commons reception
A hundred apprentices from some of Britain's leading aerospace, defence, security and space companies attended the ADS Parliamentary Reception in the House of Commons on Tuesday.
The apprentices were joined by almost 70 parliamentarians, including Secretary of State for Defence, Michael Fallon (above, third from left) and Secretary of State for International Trade, Liam Fox, to celebrate the 11,000 apprenticeships provided by the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries.
The apprentices represented some of the brightest UK talent from 30 companies, including SMEs such as Aeromet International; Surrey Satellites; and TMD Technologies, from 56 sites spanning the length and breadth of the UK.
Paul Everitt, Chief Executive of ADS Group, said: “It is great to see so many parliamentarians turn out to celebrate the talent and commitment of apprentices in the UK aerospace, defence, space and security industries. It demonstrates MPs, Ministers and business leaders’ recognition and regard for the important role that apprentices play in the UK’s future success.
“It is more important than ever that our industries remain at the forefront of the global market. High quality apprenticeships not only provide UK’s brightest young people with routes into high value, long term jobs but continue to secure the UK’s capabilities in leading edge programmes.”
Organised by the trade organisation ADS Group and sponsored by UTC Aerospace Systems, the event recognises the valuable contribution apprentices make to the UK’s important, high-skill manufacturing industries; highlighting the world-leading technologies that many of the apprentices are working to develop.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said: “As the largest provider of apprenticeships in the UK, I am proud to support ADS as we work together to build skills and opportunity. With over 11,000 apprentices working in the £72 billion aerospace, defence, security and space industries, these men and women of ingenuity, imagination and innovation are the future of the UK.”