Loganair gives young aviation engineers a flying start

Image courtesy Loganair
 
The Loganair Modern Apprentice programme on Aircraft Maintenance (SCQF Level 6) is a four-year structured programme which allows apprentices to receive a salary while studying and undertaking on-the-job training. On completion, each apprentice obtains a UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Part 66 aircraft maintenance licence.
 
Loganair engineers provide a range of quality maintenance services to support the airline’s fleet, which includes almost 40 aircraft operating across 70 routes. Trainees develop experience across Loganair’s varied fleet types, each of which play a critical part to ensure the promise of the airline – to connect regions to cities and to connect island communities to the mainland, can be met on a reliable, dependable, and affordable basis.
 
Aside from the technical skills gained, Loganair’s modern apprentices also build on their core skill competencies with oversight from the training department and local workplace mentors. Valuable transferable skills such as a practical understanding of health and safety, time management, and career development paths also supplement the vocational and academic elements of the programme.
 
Matthew O’Donnell, aged 24, from Glasgow is a recent scheme graduate who was impressed by the hands-on experience and responsibility he was given as an apprentice. He now works at Loganair’s Glasgow base as B1 Type Rated Engineer.
 
Matthew said: “The training and mentorship I received gave me a solid foundation for understanding the airline engineering industry. Experienced engineers guiding me through tasks and explaining the reasoning behind a specific procedure helped me understand the bigger picture, from safety regulations to the importance of teamwork and communication.
 
“The hands-on training helped me apply theory to real-world situations, and the mentorship made a huge difference in building my confidence. It was the perfect balance of learning the technical side and understanding the industry’s standards and practices.”
 
Rachel McSherry, aged 23, from Glasgow is a current member of the scheme and is embarking on her second year of training. Having previously studied engineering at university, she was attracted to the more practical approach taken in Loganair’s apprenticeship scheme.
 
Rachel said: “Learning from supportive colleagues has helped me develop my skills and confidence, especially in problem-solving and teamwork.
 
“The apprenticeship is a great way to introduce yourself into the industry where you can learn and work simultaneously, having the support to gain all the skills you need to become an engineer.”
 
Dave Exon, Chief Technical Officer at Loganair, said: “Our apprenticeship programme is designed to provide hands-on experience and industry-recognised qualifications, giving aspiring engineers the best possible start to their careers.
 
“With guidance from experienced mentors and exposure to our diverse fleet, apprentices gain the technical skills and confidence needed to thrive in aviation engineering. We’re proud to support the next generation of engineers and look forward to welcoming new talent to the team.”
 
Loganair trains and employs engineers across its network with maintenance operations currently based in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Isle of Man and Orkney. The regional airline recently announced its intention to open a new base in Southampton where a number of engineering roles will be available.    
 
Steven Reid, Engineering Maintenance Manager at Loganair, said: “We offer a fantastic apprentice programme at Loganair. Providing apprentices with the chance to travel across different facilities within our company is a great way to give them a well-rounded understanding of the operation and a broad skill set. It also shows a commitment to supporting future generations of aircraft engineers, which is really valuable for the industry.
 
“Helping our apprentices reach their potential and ensuring the safety of aircraft for future generations speaks volumes about the values and commitment at Loganair. We do not just focus on their technical skills but also on building a foundation for a long-lasting, successful career in aviation.”
 
For more information about careers at Loganair, or its Modern Apprentice programme:
www.loganair.co.uk/engineering-apprenticeship