Emma Reynolds, MP for Wolverhampton North East, dropped into the UTC Aerospace Actuation Systems facility on the Stafford Road on Friday, March 3, ahead of National Apprenticeship Week. Emma had the chance to look at some of the apprentices’ work including Matthew Smith, an operations apprentice in his second year, who was on hand to highlight the latest technology – by displaying one of his design models of a factory shipment line that was created on a 3D printer. Matthew said of his role: “I enjoy overcoming the challenges I face, and learning new things along the way.”

The facility has an established apprenticeship and graduate program and is looking to increase its numbers to ensure there is a healthy pipeline of engineering talent for the industry.

Commenting during the visit, Emma said: “I was delighted to meet apprentices at UTC. They were full of enthusiasm for the apprenticeships they are pursuing at the aerospace company. I was encouraged to see that the company is investing in young talent and their future here in Wolverhampton. I was impressed with the level of commitment of the apprentices and the new skills they are developing and the new technology that they are using.”

March 2017