The FINANCIAL -- Rolls-Royce, the  global power systems company, is to develop a new, state-of-the-art apprentice academy, which will double the number of apprentices it can train each year.

"The academy, which will be constructed at the Rolls-Royce Learning and Career Development Centre in Derby, will enable the Group to recruit up to 200 additional apprentices annually to train for work in its supply chain and the manufacturing industry in the East Midlands," the company informed.

According to the company, these trainees will access Rolls-Royce’s world leading apprenticeship programme and will be equipped with the advanced skills required by modern, high value added businesses. The academy and additional Apprenticeship training programme is being developed with £6 million of financial support from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills.

Sir John Rose, Rolls-Royce, Chief Executive said: “A highly skilled workforce is essential to high value added manufacturing. This expansion will raise standards in our supply chain and among SMEs who do not have the capacity or experience to develop their own apprentice training. I am grateful to the Government for their support and delighted that Rolls-Royce can offer greater opportunities to the many young men and women who wish to pursue a career in engineering”.

Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable said: “Apprenticeships are central to the Government's drive to rebalance our economy and equip businesses with the skills they need to deliver sustained growth. That's why we are funding a greater number of advanced apprenticeships, designed and delivered in partnership with industry. A study published today by my Department shows that apprenticeships are the most valuable form of FE training and produce a return for society of £40 for every £1 of Government investment.

"Rolls-Royce has a proud reputation for delivering some of the best apprenticeships in the business, setting a standard that firms from all sectors should emulate. By supporting an enhanced number of apprenticeships, that will also enable smaller firms within the supply chain to recruit highly trained staff, the company is making an invaluable contribution to the performance of its sector and the strength of the wider community."

The Rolls-Royce apprentice scheme in the UK has been awarded Beacon Status by Ofsted, and is rated as “Outstanding”. It has a 98% retention rate. 90% of Rolls-Royce apprentices go on to achieve higher qualifications, half to degree level. Rolls-Royce has been training apprentices for over 100 years and one third of the company’s senior UK managers began their careers as apprentices.

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