BAE Systems was delighted to welcome local Member of Parliament David Davies to its Land UK site at Glascoed, near Usk, on Friday (9 March).
Coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week, the visit saw Mr Davies spend time meeting apprentices training with BAE Systems.
Over 2,000 apprentices are currently working with the company and almost 400 completed an apprenticeship course in 2017 alone.
Of the 54 who undertook a Higher Apprenticeship Scheme, more than two thirds achieved a first-class honours degree.
During his visit, Mr Davies met both engineering and operations apprentices - including one who brought along a 3D printed model of a Warrior armoured vehicle which he produced as part of his course.
The Monmouth MP has vowed to continue liaising with BAE Systems on a number of different business areas, such as the future of munitions supply and how Glascoed fits into this strategy.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, it has been revealed that 100 per cent of BAE Systems’ most recent graduates remained with the company after finishing their course.
Tom is an example of how BAE Systems retains apprentices in Land UK. After obtaining a BTEC Level 3 in Engineering, he now works as a Product Development Engineer and says he learnt a lot from his apprenticeship.
“It seemed like the perfect option,” Tom explained, adding it’s enabled him to further his understanding across the business.
“At every stage in my career I’ve felt like I’ve been constantly challenging myself.
“I would say to anyone who isn’t sure what to do after school or college to definitely consider an apprenticeship and the opportunities it offers.”
Mr Davies said: “BAE Systems is one of Britain’s leading companies and plays a vital role in supporting our defence capabilities.
“It was a great pleasure to meet and talk to some of the apprentices. In my view, governments of all colours have made a mistake in trying to send everyone to university regardless of whether or not they will benefit in the long-term. Yet a report from the Federation of Master Builders suggests that apprentices can easily earn more than people with a degree.
“Companies in Wales have told me they value the work ethic and high quality training an apprenticeship can offer and see apprentices as future directors.”
BAE Systems’ apprentices make up six per cent of the present workforce. Further information on apprenticeships is available here.