Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, visited Leonardo in Yeovil – the Home of British Helicopters – on Monday 8th April. On his visit, Mr Loder met with some of the apprentices and graduates currently employed at Leonardo, and championed the social mobility value the company provides many of West Dorset residents.
Mr Loder said: “It was excellent to visit Leonardo on Monday this week. Many West Dorset residents commute to work at the site, which is steeped in history and plays a strategically important role in our country’s rotary defence capabilities. I was especially pleased to meet with some of the apprentices and graduates currently employed at Leonardo – many of whom live in the local area. Apprenticeships and graduate trainee schemes are vital for social mobility in our area, providing highly skilled placements and an opportunity to earn and learn at the same time.”
He continued: “My visit also offered the chance to update Leonardo on my work in Parliament to ensure procurement reforms by the Ministry of Defence benefit our region. Last month, I reiterated to the Defence Minister the need to recognise the social and economic value of our local defence manufacturers, such as Leonardo. In Parliament I was also given an update on the next stage of the New Medium Helicopter Programme, which will have many benefits for our regional rotary industry.”
