A FORMER Lancashire apprentice is aiming to become the latest champion to come out of aerospace firm BAE Systems.

Nichola Mitchell, 22, is a procurement engineer on the F-35 programme at Samlesbury, and is one of ten in the running to be crowned the City and Guilds Apprenticeship Champion of the Year, which recognises strong advocates of apprenticeships.

She is up against the other finalists in a public vote, which runs until Friday, to clinch the prize which is in its second year.

If she wins, Nichola will follow in the footsteps of Jenny Westworth, the former BAE Systems apprentice who scooped the prize last year.

Nichola said: “It is a huge honour to be shortlisted for the City and Guilds Apprenticeship Champion of the Year, especially when I see the other candidates.

“I hope I can be a positive role model for the apprentices of the future, who are looking to take that first step on the career ladder.”

The vote runs until 3pm on Friday, and people can support Nichola’s bid to by voting at www. apprenticeships.org.uk.

The top three scoring finalists will be announced on October 14, and will then have five days to push their vote tally to a new high in a bid to be named overall champion.