Clitheroe apprentice to represent UK in global competition

Clitheroe-based apprentice Abigail Stansfield will travel to Austria in January to represent the UK at the Euroskills competition.

Abigail began an engineering apprenticeship with BAE Systems on leaving Bowland High in 2016. After attending a 'girls in engineering' open evening she began and completed the Advanced Engineering Craft apprenticeship as a tool maker.

The 20-year-old has previously represented BAE Systems in CNC Milling at the World Skills UK competition in Birmingham. She received a bronze medal at the competition and was selected to be a part of the UK squad.

The squad of millers continue to train together and she was then chosen to represent the UK at the European finals 2020 in Austria, and could go on to the world finals in Shanghai, China, next September.

Andy MacDonald, tooling supervisor at BAE Systems High Tech Task Force division, said: "Abi’s time competing in the WorldSkills UK Competitions has really helped to develop her CNC programming and machining skills, accelerating her integration into a highly skilled team within a high-tech tooling facility. She now has the respect of her peers and the trust of the leadership team to perform at a level not usually seen from someone so early into their career.

"I believe Abi’s competition experience with WorldSkills UK has given her the confidence to explore bold and innovative solutions which she then applies to her day-to-day work. This ability to challenge the norm is something we value at Bae Systems and is helping to drive our industry forward well into the future."

• For further Lancashire business news, advice and analysis subscribe to Lancashire Business View or join the LBV Hub from just £2.50 per month. Click here to subscribe now.