Six prominent industry leaders have been appointed by HRH The Prince of Wales as Ambassadors for the Industrial Cadets initiative, a workplace experience accreditation which assists the future skills supply to UK Industry, especially the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
The Ambassadors for Industrial Cadets are:
The Prince of Wales is a supporter of the Industrial Cadets initiative and welcomes the appointment of these Ambassadors who will champion Industrial Cadets by promoting the use of the Industrial Cadet accreditation within their own companies, being advocates of Industrial Cadets to other companies and supporting the public promotion of the importance of increasing young people’s interest potential employment in local industry.
Dr Gordon Mizner, Chief Executive of EDT, the charity responsible for delivery of Industrial Cadets says, “Industrial Cadets is an employer led initiative which connects young people with industry through ensuring that credible and structured work placement experiences are provided. Originally inspired by The Prince of Wales, the initiative helps 11-19 year olds to develop their skills and experience in industry and promotes career opportunities in the sector. The importance of the engagement of industry with Industrial Cadets has been emphasised by the appointment by His Royal Highness of these Ambassadors who will be powerful champions for this work.”
A number of the Ambassadors have made statements welcoming their appointment:
“I am delighted to be an Ambassador for Industrial Cadets. The Industrial Cadets programme at GSK has been very successful, with over 400 school children taking part each year and many then choosing to study STEM subjects through school and into university. Participating in Industrial Cadets is a powerful way for young people to develop new skills, gain valuable work experience and learn first-hand about the many STEM career opportunities we have in the UK.” Sir Andrew Witty, CEO, GlaxoSmithKline
“The Industrial Cadets initiative provides invaluable opportunities for young people to experience the world of work while developing vital skills and gaining a recognised accreditation. The initiative is important to Rolls-Royce in achieving its target of reaching 6 million people with our STEM activities by 2020. I firmly believe in its potential to inspire people to make STEM their career choice, as someone who is fortunate enough to enjoy an exciting and rewarding STEM-related career. So, both from a personal point of view and on behalf of Rolls-Royce, I am delighted to be an Ambassador for the Industrial Cadets and I look forward to contributing to its ongoing success.” Colin P Smith CBE, Group President, Rolls-Royce
“Having become an Ambassador for Industrial Cadets I am proud to be part of this exciting initiative, ensuring the future skills development of young, talented and aspiring individuals within industry. Industrial Cadets offers unique and accredited frameworks, providing hands-on experiences for its cadets, and enabling employers like AkzoNobel to engage with the next generation of UK STEM talent. Having worked my way from a trainee to my current role I am delighted to represent a scheme which will open doors for those who get involved.” Matt Pullen Managing Director UK, AkzoNobel.
“Airbus Group has been proud to support the Industrial Cadets for the last 3 years, and I’m delighted to be appointed an Ambassador for Industrial Cadets. Industrial Cadets offers young people a unique opportunity to gain important insight and work experience in their local area, and gives employers a chance to demonstrate to potential future employees the exciting careers which they can offer.” Paul Kahn, President, Airbus Group UK
“I’m very proud to be an Ambassador for Industrial Cadets, which gives young people from all walks of life the opportunity to experience first-hand the vast career opportunities in the science and engineering industry. I know that together we can make a real difference and give our young people the inspiration and the opportunity to be the best, which is essential for the future success of UK businesses.” Carol Burke CBE, Managing Director, Unipart Manufacturing Group
“It is a privilege to have been part of the development of an initiative which is so important for the future of UK industry. Industrial Cadets allows young people to see inside the industries in their local area. It helps them understand the careers that they offer, and it takes the first steps in providing the skills that employers are looking for which will equip them for those careers. From a first conversation with HRH The Prince of Wales five years ago an organisation of substance and great value has emerged which is growing quickly to make an important contribution to UK Skills. I am very pleased to have been appointed an Industrial Cadets Ambassador which allows me to continue to champion this tremendous initiative.” Jon Bolton, CEO UK Plates Division, Liberty Group
For more information about the Ambassadors for Industrial Cadets visit: www.industrialcadets.org.uk/meet-our-ambassadors