TRAINEE numbers at an East Lancashire aeronautics academy are set to rocket by around 30 per cent in 2019, it has been announced.

Bosses at BAE Systems have confirmed that 260 apprentices will be taken on by their air division at Samlesbury and Warton.

Theresa May has heralded the development, which is part of plans to blood 700 fledgling workers next September.

Their training will be hosted at the new Academy of Skills and Knowledge at Samlesbury, which forms part of the enterprise zone there.

Mrs May said: “I’m delighted that BAE Systems is taking on even more apprentices in 2019, with 700 young people being given the opportunity to kick-start their careers.

“Britain’s businesses have a hugely important role to play in training the next generation and themselves benefit by attracting diverse talent and improving their skills base.

“Through our modern industrial strategy we will encourage even more partnerships to create high-quality jobs across the UK.”

New apprentices in the air division will work on the Typhoon and F35, in time, and help to develop future combat air systems.

Charles Woodburn, BAE’s chief executive, added: “With technology becoming ever more advanced and integrated in the workplace, it is crucial that we train the next generation of engineers and business leaders to develop the necessary skills which will be needed to drive innovation, solve complex challenges and build on our position as one of the UK’s most innovative and productive companies.”

Another 345 or so apprentices will be shared out between their maritime sections, with a further 34 for the land division, 20 for electronic systems and eight in the applied intelligence department.