As the UK marked
National Apprenticeship Week last week,
Velocity Composites plc used the occasion to emphasise the long-term importance of skills development in advanced manufacturing. Oliver Smalley, chief operating officer at Velocity Composites, said: “Engineering apprenticeships are absolutely vital to the future of our industry. They allow us to develop people with the right technical skills, commercial awareness and mindset to operate in a highly regulated, fast-moving aerospace environment.”
Velocity Composites supplies advanced composite material kits to major global aerospace programmes, operating in an environment where precision, process integrity and supply chain dependability are critical. He added: “We are developing the next generation of planners, supply chain leaders and operational managers who will be responsible for delivering complex programmes over decades, not just years.” He pointed to the progress of apprentices such as Ethan Willis as a demonstration of the effectiveness of the training pathway.
Mr Smalley continued: “Ethan’s journey is a great example of how apprenticeships can open doors. He’s come through a non-traditional route, identified where his interests lie, and is now applying that learning directly in a global aerospace supply chain environment.”
Strong foundationHe believes that combining academic study with structured workplace experience provides a strong foundation for apprentices entering modern engineering industries. Mr Smalley explained: “Our industry is evolving rapidly – from materials technology to digitalisation and global collaboration. Apprenticeships allow people to grow alongside that change, gaining real responsibility early on while building recognised qualifications.”
Mr Smalley also emphasised the wider importance of engineering apprenticeships to the UK economy. He argues that maintaining national competitiveness requires a sustained focus on developing engineering talent. He said “Engineering underpins everything – from transport and defence to energy and everyday products. Yet too often, it’s overlooked as a career option.”
He concluded: “National Apprenticeship Week provides a valuable opportunity to challenge perceptions and highlight the range of opportunities available across the sector. If we want a resilient, innovative manufacturing sector, we have to invest in skills. That means giving young people clear pathways into engineering, supporting them properly once they’re in, and recognising the long-term value they bring. Apprenticeships are central to that mission.”