Stephen Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock, welcomed apprentices to the House of Commons this week 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. ADS is the UK trade organisation representing the world-leading industries.

Sponsored by Collins Aerospace, the event recognised the valuable contribution apprentices make to our important, high-skill manufacturing industries, and highlighted the new technologies that many of the apprentices are working to develop.

Stephen Metcalfe said: “I was delighted to welcome apprentices from across South Essex to the House of Commons. The reception was an excellent opportunity to celebrate the huge talent working in these world-leading sectors and meet young people like Callum Rogers from Leonardo [pictured] who is working towards a highly-skilled and rewarding career. These apprentices are great ambassadors for our local area and the UK’s advanced manufacturing industries.”

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.”