AN engineering and apprenticeship hub in Basildon received high praise when the town's MP visited recently.

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, visited the aerospace and defence company, Leonardo.

Leonardo's Senior Vice-President for Integrated Sense and Protection, Wayne Clifton, gave an opening presentation on the importance of Leonardo's work both locally and nationally, and an overview of their current priorities. Following this, Mr Metcalfe met with apprentices who told him about their experiences and how much they were learning while also earning.

Mr Metcalfe also learnt about the development of the Falcon Shield System, a modular radar and surveillance system which can rapidly track, identify and mitigate threats from unmanned air systems (drones).

The MP said: "It was great to visit Leonardo and hear the enthusiasm that apprentices had for their role at the company.

"I am so pleased that there are such exciting career opportunities right now in Basildon.

"I would encourage all those interested in becoming a Leonardo apprentice to visit their very informative website: https://uk.leonardo.com/en/people-careers/apprenticeships/our-opportunities "