APPRENTICES from across Worcestershire were joined by Worcester MP Robin Walker in the House of Commons to celebrate the 12,000 apprenticeships provided by the UK’s Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space industries.

There were 100 apprentices from some of Britain’s leading aerospace, defence, security and space companies who attended the ADS Parliamentary Reception.

Organised by the trade organisation ADS, and sponsored by Collins Aerospace, the event recognised the contribution apprentices make tothe economy, as well as the technologies that many of the apprentices are working to develop.

Three Worcestershire apprenticeship employers: Aeromet, Borwell and Qinetiq were able to attend the ADS Parliamentary Reception.

Speaking for parliament, Mr Walker said: “I was delighted to welcome apprentices from Worcestershire and the UK 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.

"I welcome all of the hard work these organisations put into training a new generation of highly skilled workers in Worcester.

“These apprentices are great ambassadors for our community and the UK’s advanced manufacturing industries.

"We’ve transformed apprenticeships in this country but that wouldn’t have been possible without the employers who have been at the forefront of developing new high-quality apprenticeship opportunities that provide great training, and the employers who have embraced the huge benefits apprenticeships are bringing to their workplaces.”

ADS chief executive Paul Everitt said: “The UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries contribute £30 billion in value added to our economy and apprentices play a key role in businesses, large and small.

“Today’s Parliamentary reception is a great opportunity to celebrate their contribution and allow MPs to hear directly about the exciting career opportunities that exist across our industries.

"A modern apprenticeship is the route to a high value and long-term career."