‘Alliance Learning partner with MBDA for local skills boost’

(25.05.11) BOLTON based training provider, Alliance Learning, is always at the forefront of training in the North West and as such, partner with companies who like them, are committed to developing the skills of young people and employees in the region.

One such company are missile specialists, MBDA, who avidly support Alliance Learning with both their learners and their ongoing commitment to training.

As this year's main sponsor at Alliance Learning's annual award event, MBDA were keen to highlight the value their 61 apprentices bring to the regional arm of their company.

A world leader in missile systems, MBDA is a multi-national group with over 9,750 employees in France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and the United States. The first truly integrated European defence company, MBDA is the only group capable of designing and producing missiles and missile systems to meet the whole range of current and future operational requirements for the three armed forces (army, navy, air force). With that being said, it is imperative that staff from all regional sites be trained to the highest skill standard in order to meet the stringent requirements set out by the company.

MBDA employ advanced and higher scheme Apprentices on Engineering and Commercial four year programmes, built around three tailored pillars of development: professional, personal, and technical development. Apprentices operate on structured rotational work placements with learning objectives aimed at providing a range of technical skills and knowledge, supported by day release at an educational institution.

Gareth Humphreys MBE, HR Advisor - Education and Liaison at MBDA said:

"MBDA products have an operational lifetime of 30 years paired with the 25 years experience of the average MBDA employee. We have to ensure continuity of high quality skills and technical knowledge to support updates, servicing and disposal requirements of our customers. The programme is tailored to ensure that anticipated skill gaps of the future are addressed and filled and therefore see the development of our apprentices as guaranteeing continuity of service to our customers."

MBDA feel their apprenticeship programme demonstrates commitment not only to the support of their customers but also to young people looking to bridge the gap between education and their chosen career path.

Gareth Humphreys continued:

"Infectious enthusiasm and commitment from our apprentices bring alongside their willingness to learn, striving for constant development. These attributes help to motivate and reinvigorate those employees supporting them, and help to develop people management, leadership skills and personal satisfaction of those responsible for their development."

A great deal of MBDA's apprentice's have gone on to participate in national skills competitions and have represented the UK in World Skills events; all of which help recruit further high calibre school leavers who can be further developed to improve the business long term.

A full breakdown of MBDA's commitment to learning and development can be found on their website, http://www.mbda-systems.com.

To find out more about the range of courses available from Alliance Learning or if you are an employer looking to take on an apprentice, please contact 01204 696744 or visit the website, www.alliancelearning.com.