Placements Announced for Cornwall’s Advanced Aeronautical Apprentices

Since starting their intense Advanced Aeronautical Apprenticeships nine months ago at Newquay Cornwall Airport the apprentices have completed the first stage of their 2 year programme and have graduated from LRTT. They now take the first steps in their working careers by commencing work placements across Europe.

The last nine months have been demanding for the apprentices and with the placements secured; the technical training that has been undertaken can now be put into practice within a work environment over the next 16 months of vocational work experience.

In recognition of the completion of the technical training phase of the apprenticeship a Graduation was held at LRTT’s training facility in The Cotswolds on Tuesday 17 January 2012.  The Graduation highlighted the apprentice’s achievements and commended their work and dedication.  

After months of preparation and interviews placements have been awarded and were officially announced at the Graduation event.  The Apprentices will be based at one of the following places: Geneva, Multiflight based on the southside of Leeds Bradford Airport, Chevron based at Kemble Airport in The Cotswolds and British International Helicopters.

Peter Jardine who will be based at British International Helicopters at Newquay Airport says "I feel privileged to be starting my aviation career at Newquay Airport, the site at which I visited every year as a young boy to watch the air displays. This has been a great opportunity to start an exciting and rewarding career as an Aircraft Engineer so close to home, one which I had personally though would not be possible. Thank you to everyone who has made this opportunity available."

Al Titterington, Newquay Cornwall Airport’s Managing Director said: ‘It’s really rewarding to see how well the apprentices have done in their first stage of the programme.  On behalf of the airport I wish everybody the best in their new ventures and am particularly pleased to see that two apprentices will be returning to Newquay to work with British International Helicopters.’

LRTT has delivered a co-ordinated employment and training programme over the last 9 months and has acted as an Apprentice Training Association (ATA) throughout the programme and by employing the apprentices through parent company Resource Group have been managing the placement phase securing the work experience.

John Larkin, Managing Director of Resource Group comments “We are pleased we are able to offer work placement opportunities to the apprentices and are thankful to all placement companies involved in this crucial part of the apprentice scheme. It is refreshing that so many have recognised the importance and value of apprentices to their businesses.”

Funding for the Advanced Aeronautical Apprenticeships was secured through the Skills Funding Agency and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ESF Convergence Programme. Newquay for Excellence Training (NFET) who are providing the local link between the LRTT and the ESF Convergence Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Ruth Vincent from NfET said ‘The apprentices have been extremely committed since starting the Aeronautical Apprenticeship their work ethic is second to none. The placements are brilliant news giving them all the opportunities to show and hone their new skills.  Being able to assist in the facilitation of Cornwall’s first cohort of Advanced Aeronautical Apprenticeships has been very rewarding and we hope that this Apprenticeship will be able to run again in the future.’

Cathie Kessell, Employer Account Manager from the National Apprentice Service added; “I’m confident the skills gained so far by the Cornish Apprentices, coupled with their imminent work placements, will stand them in good stead for long and satisfying careers in the aviation industry.  They are a shining example of how an Apprenticeship can be a great way to begin a successful career.  With the Government’s recent announcement of further financial incentives for small employers, it’s never been a better time for employers to recruit likewise enthusiastic and loyal young people.