Fylde coast aircraft maker's bosses quizzed by youngsters

Dave Holmes, Manufacturing Director at BAE Systems Military Air & Information, speaks with apprentices at a Meet the Director session held by the company for National Apprenticeship Week.

The company held a number of Meet the Director sessions at its sites in Warton and Samlesbury which saw bosses including managing director Chris Boardman answering questions.

Salima Bana, a third year technical engineering apprentice, was one of the current apprentices who took part in the question-and-answer sessions.

She said: “I found talking to the directors about their career paths and listening to their advice was really inspirational.

“I learnt that you should never be afraid to push yourself and try something new in your career.

“It is also important to do what you enjoy and put all your effort into becoming the best.”

One of the directors who took part in the session was Dave Holmes, manufacturing operations director for the company’s Military Air and Information business, who is a former apprentice with the business.

He said: “Our apprenticeship scheme is without doubt one of the best in the country. It consistently delivers highly capable and professional individuals who have long and exciting careers within the company.”

During the week, apprentices from the business’ site in Brough, East Yorkshire visited its £15.6m Academy for Skills and Knowledge which opened in Samlesbury last year.

They saw its Virtual Reality Cave and manufacturing robot in action.