AGEAS Salisbury International Arts Festival and defence and technology experts, QinetiQ have been shortlisted in the top three in the UK for the People’s Development Award in the 33rd National Arts and Business Awards held at the Central St Martin’s College of Art and Design in London on May 22.

Being named in the top three proves the success of a six-year relationship which has brought together QinetiQ’s third year aerospace engineering apprentices and professional artist Charlotte Moreton to create permanent public sculptures which can be seen at Solstice Business Park.

Steve Wilkinson from QinetiQ, said: “We are extremely proud of QinetiQ’s partnership with the Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival and sculptor Charlotte Moreton, which has produced more than a hundred apprentices at Boscombe Down over the last six years, who have all been involved in the design, engineering and installation of six fantastic pieces of public art.

“The apprentices have learned immeasurably in project management, team working, across site collaboration and delivering workshops in schools, as well as presenting their ideas to the public and the media.

“The profile of the sculpture trail at Solstice Park is terrific for our business and means that many people will be able to enjoy the work for many years to come. Art meets engineering, to the benefit of all.”

QinetiQ apprentices have the opportunity to learn and apply key project management skills and their creativity alongside their engineering design, manufacture and commissioning competencies as part of the project. The project aims to forge close links between the business and the local community to produce art in which the wider community can engage.

The partnership enables the festival to connect audiences with one of the area’s biggest employers as well as raising the profile of the apprentice centre within QinetiQ and local communities.