Sir Gavin Williamson met with leading executives at airline Jet2 to hear more about their apprenticeship programme which is training the next generation of aviation workers.
The airline, famed for its catchy advertisements featuring Jess Glynn, has 19,000 staff across the business and already runs a fully-funded pilot training programme. Jet2 is the only airline UK airline delivering its engineering apprenticeship and training entirely inhouse.
The company invests almost £100,000 per engineer on top of £27,000 of apprenticeship levy funding and means the airline can service nine aircraft at any one time.
Sir Gavin attended a Parliamentary reception organised by Jet2 to put pressure on the Government to ensure that the next generation of talent is developed, whilst stressing the need to keep holidays at a reasonable cost.
David Neill, Jet2 Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director said: “We are grateful to Sir Gavin for attending Jet2’s first ever Westminster reception. It was great to be able to introduce parliamentarians to some of our fantastic apprentices and trainee pilots. Our 19,000 colleagues make our award-winning holidays happen and we want to work with MPs to ensure all families can afford much needed time away.”
Sir Gavin said: “I have always championed apprenticeships which I believe are an excellent way for young people to gain experience in a specific sector whilst getting paid.
“I was thrilled to see Jet2’s commitment to training the next generation of aviation employees and setting standards that other airlines can learn from.
“I am concerned that the Government’s policies around businesses rates and their approach to the current fuel crisis, will restrict investment into the aviation sector and thus affect employment opportunities.
“I will continue to put pressure on Ministers as well as engage with airlines to ensure opportunities in the sector grow, and holidays are kept at a reasonable price for families.”
