West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed an initiative by Malvern defence research company QinetiQ to create more apprenticeships for young people. The company has persuaded the Ministry of Defence to become the latest organisation to become a member of its ‘5% Club’ which commits to ensuring that five per cent of its UK workforce is made up of apprentices, graduates or sponsored students. Defence minister Philip Dunne signed the charter last week on behalf of the 235,000 employees civilian and armed services personnel. So far, 60 private and public sector organisations have signed up to the initiative covering 152,000 employees. Harriett commented: “I was briefed on the initiative during a visit to QinetiQ in Malvern two years ago and met with apprentices and new graduates who have joined the company for their first full-time job. “It is great that QinetiQ is taking a lead to encourage more employers to commit to training and developing their staff and the Ministry of Defence seal of approval is a huge boost. “Apprenticeships are a great way of enabling companies to take on extra staff and with apprenticeship wages increased from October, they are also a great way for young people to train and work at the same time. “Every time I meet a local employer, I encourage them to look at the apprenticeship scheme and I hope that we will see many more apprentices in Worcestershire over the coming years.” Photo: Harriett Baldwin MP meets graduates and apprentices at a briefing on QinetiQ's 5% Club