Lord Young of Norwood Green (centre) with Rolls-Royce’s apprentices and graduates
Lord Young of Norwood Green, kick started his Industry and Parliament Trust (IPT) Fellowship with a visit to Rolls-Royce in Derby which included a tour of the Apprentice Academy.
The Derby site was host to Lord Young on Monday 25 April where he had a roundtable discussion with a number of apprentices and recent graduates focusing on skills, training and the importance of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
The former Opposition Spokesperson for Business, Innovation and Skills is looking to further his knowledge in the skills sector and gain a greater appreciation for the role apprentices’ play in the demand for highly skilled workers and how businesses train its workforces for the future.
The visit also provided Lord Young with an overview of the Rolls-Royce business and a chance to look at some next generation technology such as the Trent XWB aero engine which is the most efficient wide body aero engine.
Commenting on the visit Lord Young said:
“I have been a long standing supporter of worker’s rights and apprenticeship. Through my work with trade unions and as Vice-Chair of the Ethical Trading Initiative, I am delighted to see the work Rolls-Royce are doing specifically to encourage the next generation of engineers. I have had a fascinating day today and would like to thank all the staff for the hard work they have put into making today such a success.”
Eleanor Radbourne, Head of Global Talent Management, Rolls-Royce added:
“It was our pleasure to host Lord Young today. The visit was especially relevant given his interest in the manufacturing skills gap and our ongoing commitment to encouraging students into STEM careers. I hope that Lord Young enjoyed meeting our apprentices and graduates and hearing about their experiences with Rolls-Royce. It was great for them to meet and hear from someone with so much experience and someone who has been an apprentice. We have been a long standing supporter of the Industry and Parliament Trust and I look forward to continuing this relationship”
