WORK started yesterday on building BAE Systems’ new £15.6million state-of-the-art train academy.

The skills college for the firm’s apprentices and trainees from its suppliers and aerospace firms across Lancashire at its Samlesbury site was announced in March by PM David Cameron.

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The start of construction was marked yesterday by a ground-breaking ceremony, and coincided with a new group of trainees joining BAE Systems’ Military Air and Information business.

The new facility, which will be built within the Lancashire Enterprise Zone, will be completed in time for 2016’s apprenticeship intake in 12 months.

It will provide a flexible, modern environment allowing for better engagement with schools.

It includes a greater capacity for overtraining, to ensure other companies in the supply chain and sector, many in the East of the county, have the skills needed for the long term.

BAE Systems said its investment in the new training academy highlighted the key role apprentices play in the company’s commitment to develop the highly-skilled workforce required to continue developing world-leading technology to meet its customers’ needs.

BAE Systems invests around £80m per year in training and skills and it is increasing its number of apprentices from the current intake of 1,000in training across the UK to 2,000 by 2018.

Skills Minister Nick Boles said: “BAE Systems has long recognised the huge value apprentices bring to its business, and this new training centre will be a welcome boost to local employers and young people.

“Employers need to invest in skills to be competitive in a global market, which is why we are introducing an apprenticeship levy to help more businesses direct investment, like BAE Systems, in their workforce and future.”

Chris Boardman, managing director of BAE Systems Military Air and Information business, said: “The ground breaking is a significant milestone in this exciting development that will provide cutting-edge facilities and greater capacity for future apprentices joining our business.

“I am extremely proud of our apprenticeship programme and the role it plays in ensuring we continue to develop world-class skills.”