01 May 2008 | Ref. 139/2008
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BAE SYSTEMS’ APPRENTICE SCOOPS TOP AWARD
WARTON, Lancashire - BAE Systems engineer, Rachael Hoyle, has been named ‘Advanced Apprentice of the Year’ by the National Employer Service of the Learning and Skills Council.
Rachael, 21, who works on the Typhoon programme at the company’s Warton site, accepted the award and a £750 holiday voucher from Olympic Silver Medallist Colin Jackson and chair of the Learning and Skills Council, Christopher Banks at a gala presentation evening held at Alton Towers, Staffordshire on 3rd April.
Now in its fourth year the national award programme recognises the achievements of apprentices who have excelled in the workplace as well as employers, which are committed to training and developing the skills of their workforce through apprenticeships.
Rachael is responsible for monitoring any stresses and their effects on Typhoon aircraft during flight. This data is then used by engineers to look at ways to extend the airframe life. Rachael said: “I wasn’t born with a spanner in my hand, but my interest in engineering grew after I did some work experience at BAE Systems. I would recommend any teenager to think seriously about taking the apprenticeship route, a lot of my friends went to university from school, and they are only just finishing their degrees now and looking for jobs whereas I have been in my job for four or five years.”
Rachael added: "I hope to use this title to create a greater awareness of an industry that is in danger of becoming seriously short of skilled engineers. It is still quite unusual to have women entering the engineering side of things, so it is good to advertise the fact that you don’t feel segregated as a woman engineer, and there are so many opportunities here.”
In constant search of a new challenge, Rachael is studying for an Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan and is also involved with the Scout Association running her own Cub Scout Pack and serving on Association committees. She also recently joined a Scout-run aid project that funded and built a community centre in a small village in Uganda.
BAE Systems recognises the importance of education to the long-term sustainability of its business and the company’s ability to recruit talented people.
The company supports education programmes which encourage young people to take an interest in engineering, science and technology and consider a career in these areas. Last year, BAE Systems invested £6.1 Million supporting educational establishments and charities in communities located close to its operations.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.
For further information, please contact:
Debbie Stott, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1772 852995
deborah.stott@baesystems.com
John Neilson, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0)1252 384795 Mob: +44 (0)7802 337704
john.neilson@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384719 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
www.baesystems.com
