BAE Systems has shone a light on a Blackburn apprentice this National Apprenticeship Week in hopes of encouraging the next generation of engineers to apply.

One of the current apprentices at the company, Umair Patel, is a third year project management at BAE Systems in Samlesbury.

Growing up in Blackburn, Umair attended Tauheedul Islam Boys High School before studying at Cardinal Newman College in Preston where he discovered BAE Systems and took a week’s work experience.

Deciding this was the path he wanted to take, he applied for an apprenticeship and his current role sees him working within the US Programmes project management office based out of Samlesbury.

His role supports a major F-35 contract, ensuring project deliverables are met, and ensures the business is meeting customer expectations on one of the world’s largest defence projects.

Umair said: “This is my third placement since starting my apprenticeships. In my first year, I worked on the UK Hawk programme team and in my second, I worked in the project management team on the Typhoon aircraft.

“Moving to a new role each year is really giving me great experience and a wider understanding of the business.

"The best part about working at BAE Systems is the team dynamic. There is a strong team ethic, everyone is willing to support you.”

This year, BAE Systems Air Sector will recruit around 250 young people into the early careers apprenticeship programme.

BAE Systems held their Apprentice Award ceremony on Thursday, February 9 and out of the 39 shortlisted apprentices up for 11 awards, four winners were from the Air Sector team.

Rachael, a mature apprentice who won the Craft Electrical Award, Thomas, who won the Craft Mechanical Award, and Harriet, who won Outstanding Academic Achievement (Pre-degree) award are all based in Samlesbury and Peter who won the Higher/Degree Apprenticeship Award is based out of Warton.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Our committed and talented teams make a difference to the nations we support every day, and as a business we are focused on creating a working environment that values diversity and fosters innovation.

“With more than 50 programmes available there are opportunities in areas including cyber security, software development, aerospace engineering, accountancy and human resources.

“Successful applicants will work on some of the world’s most advanced technology programmes, playing an important role in delivering essential equipment and services to the armed forces to protect the nation’s defence and security.”

The closing date for this year's apprentice applications is Tuesday, February 28.