Young aviation maintenance mechanics at LRTT, the EASA Part 147 approved training organisation, have successfully completed a two-year Advanced Modern Apprenticeship in Aeronautical Engineering. They each now hold an EASA Part 66, Category A licence along with a City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma and Extended NVQ qualification in Aeronautical Engineering.
The eleven apprentices joined LRTT, the aviation maintenance training school that is part of Resource Group, in May 2011 when they began the Civil Aviation Authority approved 24 month course. The first eight months were spent at LRTT’s facilities at the Cotswold Airport, Gloucestershire, where they completed an EASA Part 66 Category A course consisting of theoretical training, work-shop practice, on-aircraft practical training and a City & Guilds Level 3 Technical Certificate in Aircraft Maintenance.
The remaining 16 months were spent in a practical placement working directly within a private maintenance, repair and overhaul organisation in the UK or Europe.
Peter Jardin, graduate apprentice said: “An apprenticeship is the best form of training where you learn whilst you work, gain qualifications and get paid to do so.”
The programme, which is also government funded and SEMTA accredited enables the graduates to access a variety of opportunities for employment where job prospects are global.
Ian Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of LRTT said: “I am very pleased to announce another highly capable group of individuals have completed our apprenticeship scheme and will become the next generation of engineers to bolster the industry’s workforce. The Government’s drive towards apprenticeship schemes means young people are choosing to train with LRTT rather than attending costly university courses. We’re proud to offer a recognisable alternative and I wish all of these recent graduates the very best in their new careers.”
Andy Pentecost, Training Manager and Engineer for British International Helicopters said: “The apprentices were exemplary and an asset to our business. Their hands-on attitude and excellent technical ability evidenced the thorough training they received from LRTT. We could trust them to work with the team or solo as they blended into the environment seamlessly. We have since employed them as contractors and I am looking forward to continuing to work with such talented young individuals.”
Coral Glancey, Director of Avalon Aero said: “This is the first time we have had an apprentice from LRTT and we are very pleased with his hands-on ability; he is a natural born engineer. Taking on enthusiastic apprentices has enabled us to nurture a collaborative working environment with our existing team of engineers and help shape the future of the industry through sharing knowledge and experience.”
The next intake for the apprenticeship schemes will start in September and November 2013. Applicants are encouraged to contact LRTT by email [email protected] to secure their place now.
LRTT has run a renowned apprenticeship programme for eight years, delivering approximately 110 new starters into industry. The organisation focuses on quality and excellence to support the client’s ambitions while minimising cost, administration and employment risk.
