A team of trainees from defence and missile manufacturer MBDA are set to battle it out this month for the title of ‘Best National Apprentice Team.’
Eight apprentices based at the company’s Lostock factory will go head-to-head against seven other teams across the country in the Brathay Apprentice Challenge, Lake District, which will test the competitor’s problem solving abilities, before pitting them against each other in a number of gruelling outdoor challenges.
They will be competing against seven other teams over a two month period, raising funds for Help for Heroes in the process.
Teams from the luxury car manufacturer Bentley and aerospace firm Cobham will be joined by a team of apprentices who are also GB Junior Rowing Team potentials.
Samantha Ball, an MBDA apprentice, said: “As a team, we’re really excited about using this challenge to spread this message and demonstrate the opportunities that apprenticeships provide.”
Jez Anderson from the Brathay Trust, commented: “The challenge is designed to help apprentices’ personal development and demonstrate that apprentices don’t just help businesses grow, but also help develop their local communities. The search for the apprentice team of the year will not only demonstrate the formidable skills of the nation’s apprentices, but demonstrate the range of careers available to them.”
Jaine Bolton, director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “Events like the Brathay Apprentice Challenge are vital in ensuring the success of our apprentices are celebrated and rewarded.”
The challenge will culminate with a series of outdoor contests at Brathay’s Ambleside training headquarters on 16 March.
Donations to Help for Heroes can be made at Team MBDA’s fundraising page www.justgiving.com/Mbda-Apprentices.
