Vector Aerospace UK — a Hampshire-based provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul services (www.vectoraerospace.com) — recently welcomed Prime Minister David Cameron to its factory, where he met two of the company’s apprentices: James Clement and Sean Collins.

There are currently 30 people taking part in the three-year apprenticeships at Vector Aerospace’s Fleetlands site in Gosport, and the company plans to take on an additional six apprentices this year.

Mr Collins said: “I enjoyed talking to the Prime Minister, who asked me about my apprenticeship and how my skills have developed since I graduated. I explained my involvement in ‘continuous improvement’ and how important this is to Vector Aerospace’s business.”

Mr Clements recently received an EEF award for the Outstanding Performance by a Final Year Apprentice. He now goes forward to compete with other regional winners from across the country for the national title, which will be awarded in April.

The purpose of the Prime Minister’s visit was to recognise the key role of aerospace giant Boeing’s ‘through-life’ support for the UK’s fleet of Chinook helicopters.

Vector Aerospace is a leading supplier to Boeing, providing comprehensive maintenance servicess for the Chinook fleet.

Managing director Michael Tyrrell, who introduced the apprentices to the Prime Minister, said: “Vector is proud of its partnership with Boeing in supporting the MoD’s Chinook helicopters.

“Our highly skilled teams continue to invest in this region’s young engineering talent, and our apprentice retention has reached an impressive 94%, with a number of these employees going on to hold high-level managerial positions.”