BAE to open £15m Lancashire training centre

DEFENCE giant BAE Systems has announced it is to spend more than £15m on a new training academy in Lancashire.

The company, already one of  the county’s largest employers with 10,000 people at two manufacturing sites, also said it would be taking on more than 800 apprenctices this year.

BAE hosted Prime Minister David Cameron at its BAE Systems Military Air & Information site at Warton, Lancashire.

The new training academy within the Lancashire Enterprise Zone in Samlesbury will offer state-of-the-art facilities for BAE Systems apprentices and existing employees and will be completed in time for the 2016 apprenticeship intake.

During his visit, the Prime Minister spoke to more than 300 apprentices from companies across the North West, including many working on highly advanced engineering projects such as Eurofighter Typhoon, F-35 Lightning II and unmanned air systems.

Mr David Cameron said: “Apprenticeships are a key part of our long-term economic plan, giving people who want to work hard and get on with the chance to build their careers and secure a better future. Across the country people are taking up apprenticeships in record numbers and it is heartening to see such a major employer as BAE Systems at the forefront of this, leading the charge and investing in the future of the UK defence aerospace industry.”

Ian King, chief executive of BAE Systems said: “Our record apprentice intake and investment in a new training facility highlights the importance of apprentices as a means of developing the highly skilled, ambitious and enthusiastic workforce needed to deliver world-leading technologies.

“I’m extremely proud of our apprenticeship programme and the value it provides to BAE Systems and the UK. The programme has experienced significant growth and we are committed to ensuring those joining the Company have the best possible training experience, grounding them for the exciting, challenging careers that lie ahead.”