Press release from Flybe 27/01/09

Flybe, Europe’s largest and most successful regional airline, is no stranger to innovation and has wasted no time in setting the pace as an industry leader in the 12 months since becoming the first of only three UK employers to be granted Awarding Body status – part of a major national initiative by the Qualifications Curriculum Authority (QCA) – with a world-first already under its belt.

Not content with simply developing innovative relationships with local educational establishments; creating a groundbreaking programme of accrediting its extensive training with nationally recognised qualifications; starting 33 new Engineering Apprentices on a brand new four year Apprenticeship that will lead to employment as Licensed Engineers, the newly formed Training Team has also been busy fast-tracking plans to build a new Training Academy at Exeter Airport for opening in March 2010 and training over 200 Cabin Crew in the Aviation Operations in the Air NVQ – a recognised national/international qualification and a UK and world first!

Determined to develop unique relationships with local educational establishments in the South West, Flybe has quickly sealed solid partnerships with Exeter College and the University of Exeter. Supported by GoSkills (the Sector Skills Council for Passenger Transport) in developing its employer training programmes, the airline has also moved forward with a number of new initiatves designed to recognise the skills of its own staff, train those from other organisations and offer new employees a variety of training paths that marry the needs of both the learner and the employer.

In achieving all this in record time, Flybe has enjoyed outstanding support from a wide range of organisations including the Department for Innovations, Universities and Skills; the Department for Children, Schools and Families; the Learning and Skills Council; the South-West Regional Development Agency; City & Guilds and EdExcel.

Simon Witts, Flybe’s Director Safety, Quality and Training, says: “I am immensely proud of what the team has achieved over the 12 months since we received the QCA/Ofqual’s Awarding Body status. We have enjoyed fantastic support from Government Agencies and the response to our initiatives from staff and customers has been excellent.

“We are living in extremely challenging economic times and Flybe remains fully committed to playing our part towards meeting the Leitch Agenda and helping address the crucial need for skills’ development through the delivery of economically valuable industry and sector qualifications.”

Over and above facilitating its normal busy programme of some 60 training courses a month for 500 Flybe employees and trainees at its Exeter base, the highlights of the Flybe Training Academy’s last 12 months include:

– In September 2008, 33 new Engineering Apprentices starting a brand new four year Apprenticeship leading to employment as a Licensed Engineer

– Since April 2008, over 200 Cabin Crew have been trained in the Aviation Operations in the Air NVQ – a recognised national/international qualification – a UK and world first

– Since April 2008, Call Centre staff are being assessed against a Customer Service NVQ

– Significant progress in building a range of Flybe accredited aviation qualifications to ‘fill the gap’ in the availability of tailored courses to suit the needs of the industry

– Three new Foundation Degrees are being developed with an innovative delivery method based mostly in the workplace (development coordinated via Exeter College and the University of Exeter with the Partnership with University of Plymouth, University of West of England)

– A Pilot Multi-Crew Pilot Licence programme is being developed

– Through the LSC, RDA and Sector Skills Alliance supported SkillsShop hosted at Flybe, Exeter Airport has recently signed the Skills Pledge and training is being rolled out towards all of their employees in a unique partnership approach

Flybe’s new multi-million pound 25-classroom Training Academy at Exeter Airport is scheduled to open in March 2010, allowing the airline to integrate all of its training on one site for the first time. The state-of-the-art facility will incorporate four Flight Simulators and integrated Apprentice Workshop that will allow Flybe to offer training to other airlines and companies as well as an adjoining 150-bedroom hotel.