Cable visits Flybe Training Academy
The state-of-the art building, costing £11.9-million to construct features 26 classrooms and incorporates a flight simulator complex, an integrated apprentice workshop and cabin door trainer, all of which contribute to increasing the wide range of training opportunities available to third party customers.
Newly appointed Training Academy Director, Jacqui Hepburn, met the Secretary of State on his arrival and later commented: “Flybe is proud to have welcomed such an important visitor to our Training Academy and at a time when skills development is particularly top of mind. Our successful partnership with both Exeter University and Exeter College is also one we are extremely proud of and this week, 30 new Flybe apprentices have started their three year programme with us.”
Business Secretary Vince Cable (above) said: “I was delighted to come to Exeter and visit Flybe’s fantastic Training Academy. As the largest private sector employer in Exeter Flybe’s investment in their workforce will have a huge impact on both their future competitiveness and that of the whole city. The Government is committed to building a stronger economy through improved skills training which is why we have created record growth apprenticeships with a 34 per cent increase in Exeter since 2009.”
As well as its apprentice workshops, Flybe’s Training Academy offers a wide range of courses for pilot, technical, cabin crew, customer service and aviation support staff, also offering a comprehensive range of specialist non-aviation training for companies involved across the entire travel-related spectrum.
Ms Hepburn added: “The presence here today of Vince Cable is an enormous honour for Flybe. Flybe’s investment into training and skills’ development reflects a commitment that is very close to our hearts and is something that is a necessary component to the sustainable development of our company and staff. In today’s competitive global economy, we acknowledge this is absolutely vital to the creation, development and retention of a highly skilled private sector workforce.”
