The official Royal Air Force motto is Per Ardua ad Astra, which roughly translates as ‘Through Hard Work to the Stars’. I thought of it last week when I was invited to meet Cheltenham apprentices working at GE Aerospace.
As readers will know, the GE site near Cleeve has been in constant use since the War. By the 1950s the site was the largest in the Smiths Group of companies, excelling in aviation electronics and electrical power systems. It continues to produce cutting-edge civilian and military technology, including of course for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter which is sold to militaries across the world.
The apprentices I met were hugely impressive. They were enthusiastic about the fact that they earn while they learn, with those on degree-level apprenticeships securing exactly the same qualification as any other undergraduate. The difference is that they will earn thousands along the way and get their feet under the table with a prestigious employer.
Meanwhile, GE benefit by securing local talent. No wonder then that Gloucestershire’s other STEM-based companies are pushing the apprentice route hard. Safran, Moog, Renishaw, Geometric, Ontic, Spirax Sarco, G-Tem, Kohler Mira all run similar programmes.
I care deeply about this, because I know that with opportunities like these are what drives social mobility. They’re how youngsters who might not have had the easiest start in life turn things around in their favour – using natural talent and sheer hard work.
Nor are the opportunities solely in engineering or STEM. Apprenticeships are available for a huge range of careers, including supply chain management, healthcare and creative industries.
So it’s good news than 520 Cheltenham residents started apprenticeships in 2020-2021. Last year I organised an Apprenticeship, Training and Jobs Fair at Pittville Pump Room, sponsored by GlosJobs, Spirax Sarco, Pro Global, The Calcot Collection and G-Tem Manufacturing.
There was a brilliant turnout with businesses keen to recruit. So many 18-year olds had their eyes opened to what’s on our doorstep.
For Cheltenham youngsters, some of the best opportunities in our country are located close to home. The first step on that journey is to aim high – and reach for the stars.
[Column published in the Cheltenham Post]