Flybe announces new aerospace engineering apprenticeship scheme
Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, has today (7th March 2018) during National Apprenticeship Week, announced its own new aerospace apprenticeship scheme that, starting in September, will place successful graduates in the enviable position of being able to enter the workforce as much sought-after, fully qualified, aircraft fitter/technicians after just four years. ‘Ofsted Outstanding’ Exeter College, Flybe’s long-standing training partner, has been chosen as the preferred knowledge provider to deliver and assess the theoretical elements of the new apprenticeship programme.
The 15 successful applicants will join Flybe in six months’ time, receiving on-the-job practical training at its Training Academy engineering workshops and world-respected Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facilities at Exeter Airport.
Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg said: “Engineering is one of the most productive sectors in our economy, but faces a major skills gap and lack of diversity. That’s why we’ve joined forces with more than 1,000 partners for the Year of Engineering – a national campaign to show young people the huge variety and rewards of a career in engineering.
“Flybe’s new aerospace engineering apprenticeship scheme is a fantastic chance for young people to shape the future of how we travel. Apprenticeship schemes like this are a great route for young people to get into engineering and highlight what an exciting career it can be.”
Flybe CEO, Christine Ourmières-Widener adds: “As one of the largest private employers in the South West of England and as the largest regional airline in Europe, Flybe fully understands the need for the industry to have access to a skilled and qualified workforce. This is why we are thrilled to announce this exciting new apprenticeship programme with the academic support from Exeter College, with which we have established a long and enviable relationship.
“Our apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity for school leavers to gain an industry-leading qualification. With aviation worldwide facing a shortage of technicians and engineers, we fully expect the programme to be received enthusiastically and become a much sought-after opportunity. It will pave the way to many rewarding and well remunerated careers in a truly dynamic industry.”
Rob Bosworth, Vice Principal Exeter College further commented: “After 10 years of successfully working in partnership with Flybe, we are delighted to support this apprenticeship programme. We are really lucky to be working with not only an international brand that is based here in Exeter, but also one that is so well connected to its local community.”
Flybe’s new apprenticeship scheme strengthens the long standing relationship it has forged with Exeter College since 2007 when it partnered with the airline as the lead academic partner prior to the Academy officially opening in 2009. The previous year, the first 33 students had enrolled and embarked on a four year Engineering Diploma course. To date, more than 200 students have successfully completed the course and moved directly into full time employment across the aviation engineering world as fully licensed aircraft engineers.
To apply, check out details at www.flybe.com/careers
