14 Dec 2006 | Ref. 380/2006
Barrow-in-Furness, United Kingdom. - A young engineer from BAE Systems in Barrow has become the first-ever woman to win the UK’s prestigious Queen’s Silver Medal, the highest award for shipbuilding apprentices. Gemma Halshaw, who is 19 years old, has been selected for the award by the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights from all the shipbuilding apprentices from around the UK.
Gemma, who is currently working in the Human Resources department at BAE Systems Submarines, completed her three-year electrical apprenticeship in September 2006 at the BAE Systems shipyard at Barrow-in-Furness, which is currently building the Astute class nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Navy.
The Silver Medal was created in 1944 to be awarded to the Shipyard Apprentice of the Year by the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights. A second BAE Systems Submarines business apprentice, David Kinley, was also a finalist for the award this year.
Gemma will receive the award at a formal ceremony which will be held on 18 January 2007 at the Army and Navy Club in London. The Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights will present the medal to Gemma at the ceremony. The award also includes a £1500 prize.
BAE Systems Submarines managing director Murray Easton commented: ”I was delighted to hear that Gemma had won the Queens Silver Medal, this is a fantastic achievement for her and her family. At BAE Systems in Barrow we have a high potential programme, where outstanding apprentices have the opportunity to develop themselves further within the organisation. Gemma is one of the 13 apprentices currently on this programme who have shown potential ".
Initial evaluation for the award involved a one-week course and evaluation in September 2006 in Northumberland. The activities included 24-hour trekking, canoeing, and a camping expedition. Final interviews were held on in early December in London.
Gemma, whose father and brother have also worked in the shipyard, was delighted with the award. She commented: “I must confess that I was very surprised when the announcement was made. I had not expected to win - just taking part was a fantastic experience. My time as an apprentice at BAE Systems has been a great experience and this award has been the culmination of three very exciting years.”
The BAE Systems Advanced Apprenticeship programme is one of the largest such schemes in the UK. At any one time, the Company has over 1,000 young people employed on its numerous training programmes. Apprentices can train in a wide number of skills, from engineering to business administration and information technology. This year, the company has taken on over 300 new apprentices as part of the scheme.
About BAE Systems:
BAE Systems is the premier transatlantic defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 88,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded 12 billion pounds (US22 billion dollars) in 2005, excluding the Group's former interest in Airbus.
For more information, please contact:
Marianne Buchanan, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0)1229 873422 Mob: +44 (0) 7793 420 173
marianne.buchanan@baesystems.com
Lisa Hillary-Tee, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384934 Mob: +44 (0) 7801 718994
lisa.hillary-tee@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384710 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
www.baesystems.com
