MRO provider Monarch Aircraft Engineering (MAEL) will double its intake of apprentices in 2018.

First launched in 1971, MAEL’s four-year Apprenticeship Scheme has already produced over 750 engineers for both the company and the wider aviation industry, and this year will double its intake from 20 to 40 apprentices.

MAEL says the expansion of the Apprenticeship Scheme is an integral part of its development as an independent MRO provider, following its establishment as a stand-alone business in October 2017.

Successful applicants will begin their training at MAEL’s Engineering Training Academy at London Luton Airport, before moving to one of MAEL’s bases for ‘on-the-job’ training in either aircraft mechanical or avionics systems.

“The skills and training that we impart to our apprentices represent a blend of many years’ experience with the latest thinking and innovation in aircraft engineering, and has become recognised as a benchmark for our industry.”

MAEL apprentices will study towards the EASA Part-66 ‘A’ basic licence category to ensure that they graduate with the technical expertise necessary to be an aircraft engineer.

Following graduation, all of the apprentices who took part in last year’s scheme were offered positions at MAEL’s aircraft maintenance facilities at London Luton, Birmingham and Gatwick airports.

Tackling the aerospace skills challenge

At the ADS CEO Briefing, held recently, the leadership panel debated the key issues affecting aerospace companies. Taking part were Scott McLarty, VP UK & Malaysia, Spirit AeroSystems; Colin Smith, Chairman of the Aerospace Growth Partnership & President, ADS; and Paul Everitt, CEO, ADS. One of the hottest topics was the skills challenge and the panellists were agreed on the importance of apprenticeships.

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