16 Mar 2005
Birmingham Botanical Centre, Birmingham
BAE Systems Advanced Apprenticeship Programme has led to its being voted Employer of the Year by the National Employer Service at the Learning Skills Councils Learner First Awards in Birmingham.
The Advanced Apprenticeship Programme within BAE Systems is long established and entrenched within the companys culture and values. It helps the company to sustain its high skills base, contribute to local communities, and ensure its staff are trained to national standards.
New technology is used to deliver training through the development of simulated interactive systems training for design work which allows, for example, the construction of test rigs for hydraulic systems.
Mike Turner, BAE Systems chief executive said Im delighted to be receiving this award; its a great tribute to our training team. We are absolutely committed to supporting the Advanced Apprenticeship Programme within BAE Systems.
The Advanced Apprenticeships Programme boasts high achievement rates and is recognised and valued for the contribution it makes in keeping the company at the forefront of international competitiveness. In addition to the main programme, Apprentices benefit from enrichment courses and facilities allowing them to become more mature individuals with the ability to offer a wide range of skills to the company.
BAE Systems integrates its Apprentices slowly and steadily into the company and offers a structured pathway from the school to the work environment. The company has links with over 1500 schools across the UK and has over 400 ambassadors working within these schools.
The Advanced Apprenticeships Programme - with 1,000 apprentices currently under training in the UK - continues to develop and benefit from the support given by BAE Systems Training Services Manager, Steve Gray and the 67 trainers employed to deliver Apprenticeships.
For further information contact:
Peter Scaramanga or Hugo Rees 020 7022 4000
peter.scaramanga@bisslancaster.com
hugo.rees@bisslancaster.com
Notes to editors
About the National Employer Service:
The National Employer Service (NES) provides funding for Apprenticeship training within large, national multi-site employers in England. It is part of the Learning and Skills Council the organisation which exists to make England better skilled and more competitive.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, fighting vehicles, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of over 13 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.
Ref: 041.2/2005
