A new on-site training programme at Bournemouth Airport has welcomed its first intake of apprentice aircraft maintenance engineers.

Twelve young people from schools and businesses began their training with specialist provider Resource Group.

The youngest apprentice is 17 years old.

The programme is the culmination of many years of work by BCP Council and a group of employers:

• Signature TECHNICAir
• Cobham Aviation Services
• Gama Aviation
• Jets (Bournemouth) Ltd

All are key partners in the council’s efforts to promote engineering locally, such as the regular ‘Careers in Engineering’ event hosted by aerospace firm Curtiss-Wright.

The programme will also contribute to a longer-term goal of creating an International Air and Space Training Institute (IASTI) at Bournemouth Airport.

The facility is designed to meet the wider needs of the aerospace industry and could have significant benefits for the local economy.

Other council initiatives in place to support local engineering firms include:

• Regular online events providing guidance and/or introducing local firms to one another.
• Skills-matching service that helps businesses find jobs for workers in the face of redundancy.
• Promotion of technology and engineering subjects in local education.

Attending the launch, prior to lockdown, Cllr Philip Broadhead, BCP Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning, said: “Whilst many sectors face a difficult period over the winter due to the global pandemic, it is hugely exciting that our local aviation industry is really ‘taking off’, with a number firms based in our area continuing to expand and plan for the future.

“As a council, expanding our innovative, successful economy and providing opportunities for young people to grow is a priority for us.

“This is a great example of how our cooperative approach can lead to fantastic results.

“Congratulations to all the new apprentices and I wish them the best of luck as they spread their wings and set a course on their exciting new career path.”

John Hamshere, Sales and Customer Support Manager, Signature TECHNICAir, pictured left, said: “We are delighted to welcome these brilliant young people to the industry.

“Demand for aviation skills is likely to overtake supply by 2027 and programmes like these will make all the difference in securing the future of aviation within our local area.”

It is hoped that the apprenticeship scheme will become a permanent fixture at Bournemouth Airport.