BAE Systems’ training facility in Lancashire — the Academy for Skills and Knowledge — has celebrated its first anniversary; it was officially opened on 1 December 2016 to train the company’s future workforce and provide life-long learning for its employees.

The Academy also offers school-age children the opportunity to discover more about careers in engineering and technology.

In its first year, the Academy hosted almost 50,000 visits, delivered more than 250,000 learning and training hours and welcomed more than 1,000 school-children.

More than 550 apprentices, graduates, industrial placements and interns have already been through the Academy, which has also welcomed visitors from India, Turkey, Malaysia, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, the USA and Australia — as well as trainees from Saudi Arabia.

Academy principal Nigel Davies said: “Over the past 12 months, the Academy has showcased BAE Systems’ skills (www.baesystems.com), training and education capabilities and grown into a truly demand-led and inspirational learning place.

“I have seen young people from local schools — as well as our next generation of designers and engineers — embrace new and advanced technologies in the Academy.

“We are committed to investing in our current and future workforce. In 2017, we took on over 800 graduates and apprentices across the UK and had over 2,000 graduates and apprentices in training.

“Applications for apprenticeships are open until 28 February.”