Construction begins on BAE training facility

Work has commenced building BAE Systems’ new £15.6m state-of-the-art facility to train future apprentices on a single site.

The start of construction was marked by a ground-breaking ceremony, and coincided with a new cohort of apprentices joining BAE Systems’ Military Air and Information (MA&I) business.

It will provide a flexible, modern environment allowing for better engagement with schools, as well as greater capacity for overtraining to ensure other companies in the supply chain and sector have the skills they need for the long term.

BAE Systems is one of the largest employers of apprentices in the UK and it invests around £80m per year in training and skills.

Skills minister Nick Boles said: “BAE Systems has long recognised the huge value apprentices bring to its business, and this new training centre will be a welcome boost to local employers and young people.

Chris Boardman, managing director of BAE Systems Military Air and Information business, said: “The ground breaking today is a significant milestone in this exciting development that will provide cutting-edge facilities and greater capacity for future apprentices joining our business.