Minister applauds Flybe’s new qualifications

Flybe, Europe’s largest regional low cost airline, was delighted when – during the government’s GoSkills Conference earlier this month – Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills’ Minister, David Lammy, singled the company out for special mention.

The recognition resulted from Flybe having just announced the start of a pioneering training commitment that, in partnership with Exeter College, begins with three new qualifications aimed at further recognising the importance and skills of Flybe employees.

The high profile recognition was made during GoSkills London Conference with the theme '20/20 Vision for Passenger Transport Skills - Promoting Demand-led Skills Provision' at which Flybe’s Director of Safety, Quality & Training, Simon Witts, presented Flybe’s Case Study – Train to Gain.

Minister Lammy, in mentioning the ‘fantastic’ work that Flybe and other employers have already done towards investing in staff to increase morale, productivity and retention, said: “….and in the case of Flybe, we have an employer that has taken on degree awarding powers and is now able to offer bespoke, QCA accredited qualifications rather than having to outsource education and training”.

Indeed, Flybe has wasted no time in embarking on the major part of the delivery against the commitment made last year when it was the only airline out of 150 leading UK companies to sign the Government’s Skills Pledge. This was followed in January when Flybe was named as one of only three companies in the UK to achieve the high standards required to be officially recognised as an Awarding Body for its own approved qualifications.

Applications have been pouring in since the call went out earlier this month for 30 learners to embark on the first ever four-year national industry-related qualification in Aerospace Engineering and a Foundation Degree in Engineering & Maintenance. The course is the first and only programme of its kind in the country where apprentices stay in full-time education to study for a Foundation Degree combined with hands-on practical aircraft and associated skills’ experience. This will result in them being able to move directly into well remunerated, immediate full-time employment as fully licensed engineers upon graduation.

In addition to the engineering apprenticeship programme, the extensive training undertaken by all new Flybe Cabin Crew training will now be partly recognised via a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Aviation Operations in the Air. Again, in an industry first, the nationally recognised qualification is the first of its kind to be delivered on a funded basis in partnership with an external academic college.

Also, as a reflection on the importance that Flybe gives to providing its customers with quality customer service, call centre employees have also been enrolled onto an NVQ in Customer Service. This qualification will equip them with essential skills appropriate for working in this important customer focused environment.

Simon Witts, Director of Safety, Quality and Training at Flybe comments: “We are delighted to be launching the first of our new training programmes in particular this unique engineering qualification in partnership with Exeter College. This marks the start of our new qualification training plan which will overlay all of our training in due course”

Chris Lorimer, Head of Business and Marketing at Exeter College comments: “These qualifications offer fantastic opportunities for Flybe staff who want industry-leading qualifications and a career with a dynamic and respected employer.”

Mr Witts concludes: "We have a long and enviable history of training within Flybe but the launch of the first new programmes aligned to our own brand, and in partnership with Exeter College, is a the first step on an exciting new road for Flybe.”

For more information, visit flybe.com.