Fylde apprentice meets the PM

National Apprenticeship Award finalist Joanne Sharples joined Prime Minister David Cameron on Monday.

Joanne, from St Annes, is an apprentice at BAE Systems working in a project manager role for the Military Air and Information business at Warton, but is currently based at RAF Conningsby.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “I was absolutely delighted to be able to welcome these outstanding apprentices and the companies which support them to Downing Street to celebrate their achievements.

“These awards recognise the talent, hard work and dedication each apprentice has put into their jobs and for their organisations.”

Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Three million more apprenticeships by 2020 means even more life changing opportunities for our young people. More than that, apprenticeships make sense for business. That’s why some of the country’s top business leaders are coming together to bang the drum.”

Joanne (pictured) is currently in her fourth year of her apprenticeship working towards a Bachelor’s degree. Joanne’s training has so far involved work on complex engineering projects, such as the F-35 Lightning II and the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Joanne said: “My apprenticeship has given me opportunities I could never have expected – whether that was working on programmes looking at the future of flight or helping inspire the next generation of engineers.

“The sheer breadth of subjects I have been able to get involved with and gain first-hand experience on, whilst also continuing my academic studies, has given me a great start.”