AEROSPACE giant BAE System has given a £480,000 donation to help boost digital and cyber skills 8,000 of Lancashire’s young people.

The grant over four years to Liverpool-based InnovateHer aims to support its efforts to get more 13 to 17-year-old, especially girls, to take up science and technology subjects at GCSE level.

BAE Systems has two major military aircraft factories in Lancashire at Samlesbury and Warton and has long history of supporting early careers and life-long skills in complex systems integration, engineering and software.

The latest donation brings its total support for InnvateHer and its a successful digital-cyber skills programme in the North-West region to £600,000.

This will provide valuable support to InnovateHer in their objective to increase the uptake of STEM related subjects at GCSE.

InnovateHer has a particular focus on supporting females, minority groups and those from less advantaged backgrounds to promote the career possibility in digital and cyber, through a series of workshops, digital educational sessions and inspiring assemblies.

Cliff Robson, group managing director of BAE Systems Air, said: "In our role contributing to the nation’s defence and security requirements, it is crucial we maintain a technological edge in digital and cyber skills and grow a more diverse workforce, so that we can deliver the next generation programmes and capabilities for our Armed Forces.

“We’re proud to continue our relationship with InnovateHer and the positive impact this will deliver to our communities in Lancashire as part of our long term approach to nurture technical skills and deliver high value and meaningful careers across the UK.”

Chelsea Slater, co-founder and chief executive of InnovateHer, said: "We’re grateful to BAE Systems for their continued support, enabling us to reach many more young people across Lancashire.

“The team and I are proud to be continuing this important partnership over the next four years, raising the aspirations of students and tracking their progress into the tech and cyber industries."

BAE Systems Combat Air business employees more than more than 13,000 employees in the UK, with the majority based in Lancashire.