Ayrshire aviation firm propels apprentice careers and fuels industry growth
An Ayrshire aviation company is clearing apprentices for take-off, turning homegrown talent into world-class engineers whose skills are fuelling growth and safeguarding the sector.
Developing its own apprentices has helped Ryanair Engineering delivered by Prestwick Aircraft Maintenance Ltd (PAML) cut recruitment costs, improve staff retention and create a supply of Civil Aviation Authority-qualified engineers who meet the highest industry standards.
Apprentices have propelled expansion for the firm, one of six responsible for the heavy maintenance of Ryanair’s fleet, started with two maintenance bays and now has six bays over two hangars in Prestwick.
The maintenance outfit, which has 752 employees, introduced apprenticeships in 2006 to address the global shortage of aircraft engineers. Since then, 237 apprentices have seen their careers take flight, with a 95% completion rate and a 90% retention rate, both above industry averages.
It currently has 92 Foundation Apprentices on board and welcomes 30 apprentices every year, more than doubling from when it started.
Foundation Apprenticeships give secondary pupils industry insight to gain a qualification from SCQF Level 4 up to the same level as a Higher while Modern and Graduate Apprentices earn while they learn, gaining a degree level qualification on a Graduate Apprenticeship.
The company’s Performance and Development Officer Caroline Campbell said: “Apprentices are an investment in our growth and long-term success, and they will shape the future of the aviation industry.
“There’s a global skills shortage for aircraft engineers and an ageing workforce so without qualified engineers, aircraft maintenance simply cannot take place.
“Apprenticeships are essential for developing a sustainable team that delivers excellence, safety and innovation.”
Apprenticeships are working for Scotland by creating careers and enabling people to reach their potential, supporting employers to develop and grow their workforce and getting real returns for the economy.
There are currently around 12,000 apprentice employers in Scotland, investing in over 40,000 Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprentices.
Caroline said: “Apprenticeships are not only a phenomenal opportunity to kickstart careers, they’re vital to employers and the Scottish economy.”
Working in partnership with Ayrshire College and Ryanair Engineering, the company delivers Civil Aviation Authority Aircraft Maintenance modules, providing apprentices with the technical knowledge required to achieve their licence.
Each apprentice has a personal development plan, a qualified mentor and tailored professional development, including leadership, teamwork, communication and wellbeing.
Caroline explained: “Our aim is to produce well-rounded engineers who are future leaders.
“Our recently promoted Hangar Supervisor began as an apprentice in 2011 and has now joined the senior management team, leading teams and mentoring new apprentices.
“Another example is a colleague who began his career in 2014 as an apprentice in Prestwick. He is now Head of Heavy Maintenance and based in Dublin. At just 28, his progression is extraordinary – a role and career path rarely achieved by someone his age.”
Diversity and inclusion are central to Ryanair Engineering delivered by Prestwick Aircraft Maintenance Ltd’s strategy, working with schools and community groups, including those in disadvantaged areas, to ensure everyone has the same chance to succeed.
Learning materials are available in a variety of languages with inclusive images. A collaboration with Ayrshire College aims to boost female participation in a sector where women remain underrepresented.
Caroline added: “Although it remains a male‑dominated industry, we are actively challenging these stereotypes. Through school events and open days, we encourage more women to consider careers in the sector and showcase the achievements of our female employees.
“Our General Manager, Victoria Lambert, embodies this progression – having begun her own career as a trainee mechanic, she sets a powerful example for others.
“We have six female apprentices and two graduates – one is a licenced engineer and the other is a mechanic level one and on the pathway to becoming an engineer. We’re actively aiming to engage and recruit more females.”
Sustainability is embedded in apprenticeships with training in low-carbon maintenance practices, energy efficiency and waste reduction. A Green Representative is appointed from each cohort to lead environmental projects.
Caroline said: “The projects deliver amazing results, as young minds bring fresh perspectives. We've introduced recyclable cleaning rags, motion-sensor lighting, draught-proofing on doors and windows and an in-house QR code stand made from scrap metal, replacing printed flyers to reduce cost and environmental impact.
“Apprentices are our future management so it’s crucial to embed sustainability from the start.”
Prestwick Aircraft Maintenance is a finalist in the Large Apprentice Employer of the Year category, sponsored by SSEN Transmission, at this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in association with SP Energy Networks.
The awards take place on 26 February as the launch event for Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2 to 6 March).
Find out more about the award finalists and the event by visiting apprenticeships.scot/awards.
