Fareham based engineering services company, Barnbrook Systems, publicly voiced support for the new skill initiative launched by PM Keir Starmer.

The backing was given during the Farnborough International Airshow, where they met the Prime Minister and Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds.

The words of endorsement came from the firm’s managing director, Mr Andrew Barnett, who underlined the importance of nurturing fresh talent for national security and the corporate sector of the UK.

In light of Mr Barnett’s words, the Fareham firm seems to be setting an example through its own robust training program.

This includes a graduate recruitment initiative and an intern programme which together aim to cultivate 10 to 15 per cent of its total workforce annually from local colleges.

The intern programme offers students a year of work experience and upon successful completion, an offer to join the firm and start a career.

Widely known as an ambassador for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Mr Barnett frequently liaises with educational institutions to enlighten them about the skills businesses need.

The support towards PM Starmer’s skill drive also coincides with the company’s relaunch, and their showcase of intelligent remote tracking and sensing technology at the airshow.

Andrew, who is also a board director of the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC), said: "Significant investment in skills and training for aerospace and the wider engineering sector is well overdue.

"The Prime Minister’s launch of Skills England today is incredibly welcome to all those business like Barnbrook Systems which have long been driving the skills agenda at a local level.

"This investment and support from the government has the power to transform our workforces, boost productivity and create more jobs in a high skilled and high wage economy.

"Crucially, the Skills England agency must build bridges between industry and government to ensure the skills agenda at education and training providers meets the needs of business.”

"It was great to meet the Prime Minister. His appearance at the airshow offers encouragement that he recognises the critical role aerospace, aviation and defence plays for the economy and national security."