BAE Systems joins fight against youth unemployment in Portsmouth

A DEFENCE firm is doing its bit to tackle youth unemployment across the Solent region.
Dan Henshaw, who was part of the Movement to Work scheme  

Picture: BAE SystemsDan Henshaw, who was part of the Movement to Work scheme  

Picture: BAE Systems
Dan Henshaw, who was part of the Movement to Work scheme Picture: BAE Systems

BAE Systems’ suppliers in the area gathered at Portsmouth Naval Base to learn more about a project to help boost the prospects of unemployed young people.

The government-led scheme is called Movement to Work. It is made up of two weeks’ work experience with BAE and a further two weeks with The Prince’s Trust.

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And it is a project which has already proven to be a hit at BAE with 26 of its 48 young people on the latest course having bagged jobs with the firm or other companies.

One of those to already benefit from the project is 21-year-old Dan Henshaw, of Gosport.

He enjoyed his placement so much that while on the scheme he applied to join the BAE’s Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship. He now works with the organisation full-time and is also an Apprentice Council member.

Dan said: ‘Without this chance I would probably be in and out of work as before and be relying on benefits to help support me, my partner and our child.

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‘With my new-found confidence, my aim is to help others achieve their full potential and show them that with a bit of help and lots of hard work they can get through difficult times, just like I did.’

Ted Creighton, head of early careers and skills at BAE Systems, said: ‘The Movement to Work scheme offers young people a real opportunity to gain valuable on-the-job work experience, learn new skills and start a career for themselves.

‘Ensuring a pipeline of talent is vital to the future of our business and I am thrilled to welcome the latest recruits to the company.’