Insider Media Limited

Rolls-Royce has announced plans to create a new apprentice academy, doubling the number of trainees it employs each year. The academy, which will be constructed at the Rolls-Royce 'Learning and Career Development Centre' in Derby, will enable the company to recruit up to 200 additional apprentices annually to train for work in its supply chain.

The academy and additional apprenticeship training programme is being developed with £6m of financial support from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

Sir John Rose, chief executive of Rolls-Royce, 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.”

Business secretary Vince Cable said that Rolls-Royce has a “proud reputation” for delivering apprenticeships.

He added: “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.”

Roll-Royce said its apprentices would go on to work both in the company’s supply chain and benefit the region by adding to Derby’s manufacturing base.

The Rolls-Royce apprentice scheme in the UK was awarded beacon status by Ofsted, and is rated as "outstanding".