The British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA) has recently underscored the critical role of apprenticeships in addressing the aviation industry’s ongoing skills gap. In their latest article, “Grow Your Own – BBGA Highlights the Merits of Apprenticeships as Talent Crunch Bites,” BBGA calls on organisations across the sector to take a long-term view and invest in their future workforce through structured apprenticeship programmes.

At Gama Aviation, we wholeheartedly support this approach. Our apprenticeship programme has been a cornerstone of our talent development strategy for years, and we continue to invest in creating meaningful career pathways for young people entering the aviation sector.

The BBGA article features insight from Paul Cremer, Head of Aviation Delivery at Gama Aviation and also Chair of the BBGA’s Operations Working Group. Paul brings a unique perspective from both an industry-wide and company-level viewpoint, stating:

“Apprenticeships are a great way to bring in new talent, especially when the industry is facing a skills shortage. Many business aviation businesses have been around a lot longer than some airlines and history has shown (9/11, financial crisis, Covid) that we are the most resilient industry.” 

“Growing your own” is important because it’s so much harder for the next gen today,” highlighted Gama’s Head of Aviation Delivery, Paul Cremer. “Youngsters cannot hang around airfields and get immersed in aviation, as we used to. Security, health and safety issues have stopped all that. Gama is heavily focused on “grow your own” and uses the Apprentice Levy to help fund its apprentice courses. These courses include operations and engineering. 80% of the operations programme involves practical training, 20% classroom. Gama continues to expand its apprenticeship models and is working collaboratively amongst the industry training providers, widening out to other disciplines, reflecting its expansion, including two European AOCs. Apprenticeships and mentoring are more vital than ever.

Paul stressed the importance of encouraging and passing on knowledge to our up-and-coming young men and women who will represent the next generation of aviation professionals, and how we must assist with their career development. As well as apprenticeships, Gama Aviation is actively involved in Work Experience, Intern programmes, Careers Event, Next Gen Awards, Air Cadet visits, and spotting future talent. It is so important to keep the generations coming through, as youngsters often think more about commercial airlines rather than business aviation. Business Aviation offers a variety of satisfaction and excitement through its unique opportunities, such as Air Ambulance, Special Mission, Aircraft Management and Charter, that are unrivalled. Gama Aviation “hosts” also points out to the youth during their visits that we are a “one-stop shop” allowing for career development into multiple business aviation areas through the company’s diverse aviation activities. Paul cited the example of how one staff member had joined as an Operations Assistant, which built the foundations for their career, leading to them becoming MD of their Special Mission Business Unit some years later. Gama Aviation also offers global opportunities for careers in this sector.

Other apprenticeships include Finance, IT, and we also take industrial placements within our myairops aviation software division.

This belief is embedded into Gama Aviation’s culture. Through our UK-based apprenticeship programme, young engineers receive hands-on experience working on a wide variety of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, supported by seasoned professionals who are passionate about training and mentoring.

One such success story is that of Miles Weekes, who joined Gama Aviation as an apprentice aged just 16. Today, Miles is actively working on the King Air fleet and Bombardier business jets, having developed the technical confidence and competence required for a thriving career in aviation engineering. His journey is a testament to the value of early engagement, practical training, and a strong support network — all key components of our apprenticeship model. Read more

Our most recent Apprentice cohort, including Maksym Randall and Ethan Wooding, is already showing great promise. Both have completed their Level 2 foundation year and were recognised for their outstanding improvement and commitment to their training. We look forward to supporting their continued development as they progress through our five-year programme. Read more

Beyond technical training, we also encourage apprentices to take part in wider initiatives, such as STEM outreach, volunteering, and professional development, equipping them with the skills and confidence to become not only excellent engineers but well-rounded professionals.

As the industry continues to face pressure from an ageing workforce and global competition for skilled labour, the case for investing in apprenticeships has never been stronger. At Gama Aviation, we remain committed to growing our talent and building a resilient future for the aviation industry — one apprentice cohort at a time.

Read the original BBGA article here:
Grow Your Own – BBGA Highlights the Merits of Apprenticeships as Talent Crunch Bites