Investing in skills; securing the future

With the UK recently marking National Apprenticeship Week, Velocity Composites used the moment to underline a simple message: long-term growth in advanced manufacturing depends on sustained investment in people.

According to Oliver Smalley, Chief Operating Officer at Velocity Composites, apprenticeships play a critical role in building both capability and resilience across the business: “Engineering apprenticeships are absolutely vital to the future of our industry. They allow us to develop people with the right technical skills, commercial awareness and mindset to operate in a highly regulated, fast-moving aerospace environment.”

Velocity Composites, which supplies advanced composite material kits to major global aerospace programmes, operates at the intersection of manufacturing excellence and supply chain precision. That makes early career development especially important.

“We’re developing the next generation of planners, supply chain leaders and operational managers who will be responsible for delivering complex programmes over decades, not just years,” comments Oliver.

A real-world pathway into aerospace

Oliver points to apprentices like Ethan Willis as evidence of the value apprenticeships bring, not only to individuals, but to the wider organisation.

“Ethan’s journey is a great example of how apprenticeships can open doors. He’s come through a non-traditional route, identified where his interests lie, and is now applying that learning directly in a global aerospace supply chain environment.”

That blend of academic learning and hands-on experience, Oliver argues, is particularly well suited to modern engineering businesses: “Our industry is evolving rapidly, from materials technology to digitalisation and global collaboration. Apprenticeships allow people to grow alongside that change, gaining real responsibility early on while building recognnised qualifications.”

Engineering as a national priority

Beyond Velocity Composites, Oliver believes the UK must continue to champion engineering careers if it’s to remain competitive on the world stage: “Engineering underpins everything, from transport and defence to energy and everyday products. Yet too often, it’s overlooked as a career option.”

He adds: “If we want a resilient, innovative manufacturing sector, we have to invest in skills. That means giving young people clear pathways into engineering, supporting them properly once they’re in, and recognising the long-term value they bring. Apprenticeships are central to that mission.”