On Tuesday 6 February, we participated in the annually held invite-only Apprenticeships Parliamentary Fair. Following success at the 2023 event in which we attended as a visitor, this year we returned to exhibit alongside industry giants BAE, Babcock, and other notable organisations, such as Manchester Met and World Skills UK. Alex Davison, Business Director, and Rachel Gale, Head of HR, met with Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan as well as the Co-Chairs of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships, Charlotte Nichols, MP and Jonathan Gullis, MP.
As a trusted provider of reliable procurement and maintenance services, we play a vital role in advancing pilots through the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) delivering over 60,000 flying hours since 2016. With a strong presence in the UK, we operate from RAF Barkston Heath, RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire and the RAF Valley in North Wales. We make a significant contribution to the UK’s thriving aerospace sector, offering exciting job opportunities for both local professionals and aspiring young talents.
At Affinity we continue to support promising individuals to gain further qualifications including taking aircraft technicians and drivers to fully qualified and CAA-certified flight engineers. Our presence at the event underscores our steadfast commitment to our apprenticeship scheme in which we create promising career pathways that draw local talent from the respective communities in which we operate. Our dedication to encouraging careers in aviation is evidenced through our collaboration with the Air and Space Institute in Newark and the Air League Scholarship programme.
The event, hosted by Charlotte Nichols, and Jonathan Gullis, was organised to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week to drive discussions on how to strengthen opportunities for not only young people, but also for professionals seeking new career progression and direction. We engaged in discussions with fellow esteemed employers, academic institutions, and apprentices on the challenges of the current system, and how to overcome barriers to foster new generations of talent within the aerospace sector.
Speaking on the event, Business Director, Alex Davison stated:
“Our apprenticeship scheme plays a pivotal role in cultivating talent by providing hands-on experience and targeted training, fostering a skilled workforce that contributes to enhanced productivity within an organisation. This structured approach not only develops individual capabilities but also generates a positive ripple effect on the overall business, as apprentices bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a strong work ethic to the table.
The government’s approach to supporting businesses with apprenticeships is good but not perfect. It was therefore useful to discuss some of the challenges that we face with likeminded employers and senior parliamentarians.”
Joe Burton, one of our apprentices, who attended the fair stated:
“The Apprenticeships Parliamentary Fair highlighted the significance of championing alternative career pathways, supporting not only young professionals, like myself, in finding a suitable career direction but also empowering existing professionals to explore new horizons. As an apprentice at Affinity, I’ve been granted an invaluable opportunity to learn and grow within a team working at the forefront of aerospace innovation”.