Our future prosperity depends on generating more high-value jobs in South Wiltshire. I am thrilled that Boscombe Down and Porton Down offer expanding opportunities in the aerospace and life sciences sectors. Organisations including Boeing, Qinetiq, DSTL and Porton Biopharma are anchor employers, presenting our young people with outstanding career opportunities, including apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are of great benefit to young people; developing vital skills, introducing individuals to work life and learning about the sector whilst training is a brilliant way to understand industries and build careers.
In Salisbury, the £14 million redevelopment of the Wiltshire College campus – which I heavily lobbied for – has begun and will eventually lead to an increase of 1,000 students. This expansion will help ensure that people entering the local labour force are equipped with the necessary skills for the modern economy. With an increase of students, this will create new jobs, thus encouraging employment in the local area.
