National Apprentice Week 2015 was marked in Preston with the news that 2500 applied for the new apprenticeship scheme at BAE Systems with only 140 places.
AdvertisementThat means that only one in fifteen applicants will be successful due to the huge demand of the places.
To coincide with National Apprentice Week, Nathan Chase, a project manager engineer, led Skills Minister Nick Boles through BAE’s training school in Marsh Lane.
Minister Nick Boles said: “Nathan has today shown me just how far an apprenticeship can now take you.
From project-managing the production of multi-million pound aircraft to gaining a degree in aerospace engineering, the apprentices at BAE Systems really are on the fast-track to a great career.”
Joanne Sharples, a successful BAE apprentice from Preston, said: “BAE Systems not only offers you the chance to gain the necessary skills and qualifications for your career, but you also gain on-the-job experience – and a good salary.
“With the rise in university tuition fees, and therefore the huge increase in debt once you graduate, working while gaining qualifications is a much better option for young people.”
While BAE Systems offers a very successful apprenticeship scheme, youngsters should also be aware that some are less reliable.
Some have argued that many are in place to exploit unemployed young people in the country who are desperate for an income and opportunity.
Many apprenticeships simply don’t offer a high level of training or any real benefit to those who take part.