Wanted: Aviation interns and apprentices in US and UK

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US service provider Duncan Aviation and British business airport London Biggin Hill are looking for interns and apprentices to help grow the next generation of aviation professionals.

Duncan Aviation is offering 33 student summer internship opportunities at the company’s three full-service facilities in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Provo, Utah. The paid internships enable students to learn more about the company and explore career paths in business aviation service and support.

“Internships are a way for the company to get to know an individual and for the individual to get to know if the company is a good fit for them,”  Jennifer Monroe, senior talent acquisition specialist, told Corporate Jet Investor. “Typically, several interns leave with job offers here for once they complete school.”

Internships are being offered in the company’s Engine, Install, and Interior production Departments. “Our internship programme plays a critical role in the recruitment and development of future Duncan Aviation technicians,” said Moore. “One of the most valuable benefits of the programme is once interns get the chance to experience Duncan Aviation’s culture, they are sold on the company and want to stay. We have had many long-term hires result from this programme.”

London Biggin Hill Airport scheme

Across the Atlantic, London Biggin Hill Airport is inviting applications for its Air Ground Operations Apprenticeship Scheme, after the graduation of its first group of apprentices in 2020.

Organised in partnership with East Surrey College, trainees will learn their craft by helping with daily operations in the hangar and on the ramp, moving aircraft and supporting the rescue and firefighting service. Barry Sargeant, the airport’s head of airfield operations, told Corporate Jet Investor: Continuing with this scheme during these uncertain times is part of our commitment to securing a promising future, for both the airport and our local community. London Biggin Hill Airport is a thriving centre for aerospace innovation and our vision has always been to nurture and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.”

He added: “The scheme offers apprentices an extraordinary opportunity to learn their craft working side-by-side with experienced mentors in a busy airport setting. It is a customer-focussed role, meaning apprentices will learn both the practical skills of the job, as well as the vital ‘people skills’ required in ground operations.”

‘Experienced mentors’

Launched in 2019, five apprentices from the first group have graduated from the programme and four decided to continue with their business aviation career at London Biggin Hill Airport. Located 12 miles from the capital, London Biggin Hill Airport offers VIP handling, a choice of FBOs, extensive hangarage, support and maintenance services for all ranges of business jets.

Meanwhile, Duncan Aviation also runs an apprenticeship programme in addition to internships scheme. “Apprentices are paid while they are working with our airframe teams and working toward their airframe and powerplant certifications,” said Moore.  They are placed on teams, paired with a mentor and given real projects to work on. By pairing the interns with experienced technicians, they get a chance to build relationships, learn at a deeper level and expand what they have learned in the classroom. Apprentices are held to the same standards and expectations as full-time Duncan Aviation team members.

“We provide classroom work and materials for their A&P tests in addition to their pay,” said Monroe. “They do need to put study time in outside of work, on their own. But this is a great programme for someone who knows they want to be an airframe or engine technician to gain the skills needed for their career.”

 

Above: Teaching on the ramp. Five of last year’s apprentices are pictured at London Biggin Hill Airport. 

Top: Duncan’s production onboarding coordinator Darwin Godemann shows Chad Richardson how to inspect hydraulic lines.

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