OREANDA-NEWS. December 25, 2015. The honour is further recognition of the Company’s continuous commitment to deliver high quality apprenticeship programmes across its UK businesses.

BAE Systems was also recently named the London regional winner of the National Apprenticeship Awards. In addition, the Company’s apprentice Joanne Sharples has been shortlisted as a national finalist in the ‘Higher Apprentice of the Year’ category.

Joanne works in a project management role for the Company's Military Air and Information business based at RAF Coningsby. She is currently in her fourth year of her apprenticeship working towards a Bachelor’s degree.  Joanne's training has so far involved work on complex engineering projects such as the F-35 Lightning II and the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Nigel Whitehead, Group Managing Director, Programmes and Support commented on the honours:

“BAE Systems is a company with great ambitions and we have a long and proud history of delivering top tier vocational training.  I am delighted to see our apprenticeship programme receive further recognition for its high quality training.

“I am thrilled too that Joanne Sharples has been shortlisted for the Higher Apprentice award. Her success highlights the exciting career potential for bright, keen and talented individuals with an appetite to learn.”

BAE Systems’ sought-after training programmes reflect its long-term commitment to delivering high quality apprenticeships. The Company has welcomed over 700 apprentices into its UK businesses this year, making it the largest intake in its history. Earlier this year BAE Systems introduced new Degree Apprenticeship standards, allowing apprentices to take degree level qualifications as part of their apprenticeship, as well as new Aerospace and Airworthiness trailblazer apprenticeship standards.