GE Aerospace’s apprenticeships see careers take flight
Investing in apprenticeships has propelled hundreds of careers and engineered a highly skilled workforce for an Ayrshire aerospace firm over 45 years.
GE Aerospace has been helping careers take flight with apprenticeships since 1980, growing organic talent to futureproof the organisation.
The firm’s apprenticeship jobs have empowered more than 350 employees to fuel their careers while driving innovation, efficiency and excellence.
Apprentice Coordinator at Prestwick-based GE Aerospace, Aidan McIntyre, said: “We have a long history of cultivating our talent and it’s vital to ensure that pipeline continues.
“Apprenticeships create the engineers and leaders of the future to meet the demands of a growing and dynamic industry."
Aidan added: “If a business has a skills gap or an ageing demographic, apprenticeships create an adaptive workforce, tailored to specific needs.
“Apprentices bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that help retain a competitive edge.
“When you combine that energy with the experience you already have, it’s a cocktail for success.”
The firm has 820 Scottish employees including ten Foundation Apprentices, 40 Modern Apprentices and seven Graduate Apprentices.
Current job pathways include aircraft powerplant overhaul, machining, welding and mechanical and electrical maintenance.
With a 98% completion rate, many apprentices progress to senior technical roles and managerial positions.
Aidan explained: “The hands-on experience and comprehensive training they receive during their apprenticeships equip them with the skills and confidence needed to excel and take on greater responsibilities.”
Apprenticeships also support GE’s environmental goals, with sustainable working practices embedded into training, helping to contribute to net zero and climate change targets.
There are support and training opportunities for personal and professional growth. Apprentices are also encouraged to take part in cross-functional projects and innovation challenges.
“Apprenticeships have proven to be a strategic asset, delivering measurable business benefits, high completion and retention rates, and fostering significant career progression.”
Over 12,000 employers support Scottish Apprenticeships, which are work-based learning opportunities or jobs with industry-recognised qualifications.
Scottish Apprenticeships are made for business, developed with employers to ensure they are demand-led and responsive to workforce skills needs.
Aidan truly knows the value of an apprenticeship - he began his engineering Modern Apprenticeship at GE in 2014 and within five years was promoted to lead the programme.
He’s now undertaking a Business Management Graduate Apprenticeship.
Equality and inclusion are key drivers for GE, which actively tackles gender stereotyping by promoting STEM careers to young women and providing mentorship opportunities with female leaders in the industry.
Community outreach initiatives include engaging with under-represented groups to ensure people from all walks of life can access apprenticeships.
To be a finalist in the Large Employer of the Year category at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards is a ‘great honour’.
Aidan explained: “As a large company, we have a responsibility to our local community and believe in empowering and bringing others up alongside us. To be a finalist in the awards is a testament to our team, who are always striving for excellence.
“To see so many organisations across Scotland investing in apprenticeships shows how valuable they are to business.”
The winner of the Large Employer of the Year category will be revealed at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, which take place on 27 February in the run-up to Scottish Apprenticeship Week (3 to 7 March).
Find out more about the award finalists and the event by visiting apprenticeships.scot