Early Christmas present arrives at Humberside Airport

Humberside Airport has taken stock of three Hawk fighter jets in preparation for the new £5m Training Academy at Humberside Airport. The jets will give students a fantastic opportunity to gain first-hand experience ready for a career working for BAE Systems alongside the Royal Air Force.The new training academy will provide 60 apprenticeship opportunities each year resulting in 150 jobs in the next three years.

Work started last month to build the new training academy that will comprise a hanger, the Hawks, Dominie aircraft, classrooms and practical training workshops. In the meantime an existing hanger at the Airport will be used to house a temporary training academy until the new one is built. Students will be accommodated on the Nightel complex.

The first cohort of 15 students could arrive as early as March 2015 for their ‘on aircraft’ phase. BAE Systems has agreed to take on up to 15 students each year from the new Humber University Technical College in Scunthorpe – which will specialise in engineering.

The BAE Systems Hawk is a British single-engine, jet-powered advanced trainer aircraft. Operators of the Hawk include the Royal Air Force (notably the Red Arrows display team) and a considerable number of foreign military operators.

Once qualified, the students will become part of the BAE Systems team, working alongside the RAF in supporting the fast-jet fleets at RAF Coningsby, RAF Valley and RAF Marham. The trainees could eventually transfer to bases abroad to support international Export programmes.

Councillor Liz Redfern, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This latest development signifies yet another milestone in this hugely important project that will give young people a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable experience, and prepare them for future work opportunities in the Royal Air Force. I am delighted that BAE Systems has agreed to take on around 15 Humber UTC students each year.”

David Ashton, BAE Systems, Head of Resourcing and Training Capability, Aircraft Maintenance and Support, BAE Systems, said: “Work is progressing well as planned and the ground is being prepared ready for the new hanger which will be completed no later than October next year. It is great to see the Hawks at Humberside Airport. They are fantastic pieces of engineering and will be used to provide vital training for the students as part of their apprenticeship with us.”

Paul Litten, Commercial Director, Humberside Airport, said: “The arrival of these aircraft marks the next important step in the development of the academy. Clearly this is a very exciting time for us and the construction of the new facility is now well underway. We look forward to welcoming BAE and Resource group into the airport community in 2015!”