MP praise for workers

Fylde MP Mark Menzies with Pav Bohgal and Joannes Sharples

Mark Menzies spoke of his “delight” after meeting Pav Bohgal, 21, and 22-year-old Joanne Sharples, from St Annes at BAE Warton.

Pav, who is employed at the Fylde site, had just been handed the Best Apprentice of the Year prize at the North West Aerospace Alliance New Talent Awards, while Joanne had been recognised with the Outstanding Leadership gong for her work at BAE Samlesbury.

Mr Menzies spoke to the pair about the benefits of vocational training and their specific jobs at BAE Systems.

He said: “It was a delight to meet two young people who were so focused on their roles and aware of the options which would be available to them once they had completed their training.

“Sometimes young people are steered blindly towards a university education when that might not be the right path for them.

“Since coming into power, this Government has continuously recognised the value of apprenticeships and vocational training.

“Britain could be left behind in the global race if we have not provided the correct opportunities for people at a young age to ensure we have the skilled workforce necessary to compete with other nations in the future.

“This is something I am determined will not happen.

“That is why I was so pleased to hear the announcement by BAE Systems that it was continuing to invest in apprentices and intended to  employ a record 568 new young workers across its UK businesses in the coming year.”