BALPA establishes pilot apprenticeship

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) helped establish the first apprenticeship standard for commercial airline pilots in the U.K., which is now on the shelf for any airline to pick up and use.

Put together by the Aviation Industry Skills Boardspecialist sub-group, the apprenticeship standard for first pilot officer hasthe backing of BALPA, and the Honourable Company of Air Pilots and is supportedby aviation employers, including British Airways, Flybe, EasyJet and VirginAtlantic Airways.

The introduction of the apprenticeship also works towardsthe Department for Transport’s proposed aviation strategy in ensuring theindustry has at its disposal a ready supply of talent to meet both currentdemand and future need.

BALPA has previously raised concerns over the phenomenallyhigh costs of pilot training, which can run to £100,000 or more. The union saysthe expense may be putting off talented potential pilots from less affluentbackgrounds.

BALPA Head of Membership and Career Services, Wendy Pursey,said: “Anyone wanting to become a pilot usually has to find around £100,000 tofund their training, which puts a flying career out of reach for too manypeople. Piloting should be an equal opportunities career; we hope the new pilotapprenticeship programme will make that a reality for more people.”