Airbus apprenticeships given Royal Aeronautical Society approval

Tom Williams, senior UK representative for Airbus, said: "This is excellent news for Airbus in the UK. Our apprentices will now have global professional recognition which demonstrates our commitment to promoting the highest possible standards amongst our engineers." The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) is licensed to accredit worthy engineering schemes on behalf of the Engineering Council. Airbus apprentices had wowed the inspectors with their commitment and craftsmanship, RAES said. Glyn Berrington, chairman of the Royal Aeronautical Society's Accreditation Committee, said: "We are delighted to confirm the Airbus apprenticeship programmes have been accredited by the Society, demonstrating their excellence in providing learning and training opportunities to aerospace professionals of the future. " Berrington added: "During the accreditation process, we were particularly impressed with the calibre and motivation of the supervisory staff as well as the quality, enthusiasm and maturity of the apprentices." Semta chief Sarah Sillars commented: ""Accreditation of Airbus apprenticeship programmes is a testament to the quality of development offered, and acknowledges that apprenticeships can provide a route to the highest professional recognition." Around 70% of Airbus' senior management team are former apprentices. The aerospace giant has two major manufacturing sites in the UK at Filton, near Bristol and Broughton, North Wales which makes wings for the A380.