100 apprentices from some of Britain’s leading aerospace, defence, security and space companies attended the ADS Parliamentary Reception in the House of Commons this week.

The apprentices were joined by Gerald Jones MP to celebrate the 11,000 apprenticeships provided by the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries.

Organised by the trade organisation ADS Group, and sponsored by UTC Aerospace Systems, the event recognised the valuable contribution apprentices make to our important, high-skill manufacturing industries, and highlighted the world-leading technologies that many of the apprentices are working to develop.

The Labour MP for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney said said:

“I was delighted to welcome so many apprentices to the House of Commons. The reception was an excellent opportunity to meet young people working towards highly-skilled and rewarding careers and to celebrate the huge talent working in these world-leading sectors. These apprentices are great ambassadors for the UK’s advanced manufacturing industries.”

Paul Everitt, Chief Executive of ADS Group, said:

“Companies in the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries offer high quality apprenticeships and provide young people with routes into high value, long term jobs. Many of the apprentices at this week’s reception will be the industry leaders of tomorrow and it is great for them to see the political support for our industries and their future prosperity.”