Human Resource Management International Digest

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to describe how regional airline Flybe has teamed up with Exeter College to provide a four-year programme in aerospace engineering, plus training for cabin crew and call-center employees.

Design/methodology/approach – The paper focuses on the engineering training and describes the advantages for the airline and participants.

Findings – The paper advances the view that the engineering course is the only one of its kind in the UK where apprentices stay in full-time education to study for a foundation degree combined with hands-on practical aircraft and associated-skills experience. It reveals that the program is possible because Flybe is one of only three companies in the UK to achieve the standards required to be officially recognized as an awarding body for its own approved qualifications.

Practical implications – The paper underlines the role the training is providing in helping the airline to expand, even against the background of global downturn.

Originality/value – The paper highlights the critical need for quality training in an industry that relies heavily on having access to a continual supply of highly skilled workers.