Firm looking to the future (From Ledbury Reporter)

Firm looking to the future

1:10pm Sunday 30th September 2012 in Ledbury

DEFENCE and technology firm QinetiQ has re-started its apprenticeship programme after almost a decade and is doubling its graduate intake next year.
In some welcome news by the Malvern company, which has shed several hundred jobs in recent years, Paul Carpenter, group head of resourcing, said the move showed “commitment to Malvern and the wider community.
“QinetiQ is built on people who know how, and a key part of our future strategy is inspiring and investing in the next generation.”
Meanwhile, the new intake of 16 graduate recruits have just been signed up with five joining the cyber security business and 11 joining the force protection and acquisition support businesses.
These graduates have degrees in subjects ranging from natural sciences to physics, electronic engineering, maths and business management.
Next year, the company will take on 35 graduates.
This year, QinetiQ has also taken on four apprentices – the first for almost 10 years, and next year will be taking on another five.
Leo Quinn, company chief executive, said: “We provide our customers with impartial advice and services, and our graduate intake is a crucial part of building the next generation to maintain this essential capability requirement.
“QinetiQ is committed to helping our younger employees become the future leaders of tomorrow as they are ‘people who know how’ with the right skills to succeed.”
Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, while meeting the new intake of graduates, said it was “gratifying to see that lots of new jobs are being created in Malvern.”