GKN Aerospace is one of the world’s largest independent first tier suppliers to the global aviation industry with 15,000 employees in 41 manufacturing locations across 13 countries. From lightweight Aerostructures to advanced engine systems, our technology is on-board some of the largest passenger planes in the world, business jets, helicopters and military aircraft, improving the performance and efficiency of more than 100,000 flights every day.

In the South West GKN Aerospace employs over 1,400 people and aerospace apprenticeships are integral to our business and strategy. Despite the impact of the pandemic in 2020, 10 new apprentices joined our team, bringing our current total to 81 apprentices currently in learning. We are also in the process of recruiting a further 14, which will then bring the total to 95. They have embarked on a variety of training programmes including Human Resources, Production, Technician and Engineering Degree level Apprenticeships. This will help ensure that we have the skilled workforce we require in order to meet our future commitments to our customers and build a sustainable business fit for the future.

Furthermore, GKN Aerospace has also committed to share a percentage of its unspent Levy funds as part of the #SharetoSupport campaign, run in partnership with the West of England Combined Authority. The unspent apprenticeship levy that GKN Aerospace have pledged will help SMEs in the West of England region provide opportunities for local people through apprenticeship skills training. It is hoped that this support will help aid the recovery of businesses in the region through skills support and generating new employment opportunities.

We are pleased to once again be supporting the awards during 2022. BristolLive and BathLive continues to share the same values as ourselves, championing Apprenticeship programmes here in the South West.