Technical training provider Resource Group expects to have trained at least 700 aviation maintenance apprentices by December 2019, contributing to the UK government's ambitious targets and addressing the well-documented critical skills shortage in the aviation sector.

The company's vision is to consolidate its position as a leading aviation apprenticeship provider for UK-based operators and maintenance organisations. Alongside British Airways, Resource Group is proud to be the apprentice training partner of choice for Virgin Atlantic Airways, easyJet, DHL Air, Thomas Cook, Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace, Babcock Aerospace, CHC Helicopters, Textron Aviation, AirTanker Services Ltd, Cobham Aviation Services, Airbus Helicopters UK, Babcock Helicopters and Signature Flight Support.

Resource Group hosted its annual Apprentice Awards Ceremony at Cotswold airport, Gloucestershire. The ceremony celebrated the hard work and dedication of all students who have completed the full time, eight-month theoretical and practical element of the EASA Part-66 Category A programme.

The ceremony was the biggest event to date, with 77 apprentices graduating and over 200 individuals confirmed as attending. Attendees included the students, together with their families and employers. All apprentices received their graduation certificates and four special awards were presented on the day: the Academic Apprentice Aircraft Award, the Exemplar Apprentice Aircraft Award, the Hand Skills - Aircraft Award and the Chairman's Award, which is new for 2019.

MD Ian Fitzpatrick comments: “This is without doubt my favourite working day of the year. I always feel privileged to be involved as these outstanding young people take their first steps into the workplace. The ceremony is a great opportunity to celebrate the tenacity of the individual apprentices to succeed but also to appreciate the invaluable support of our clients and the tremendous efforts of my own staff in the delivery of this industry leading programme.”

CEO Stephan Hickman adds: “As part of our group strategy we will continue to invest in and grow our training businesses. The industry we serve demands high standards, not minimum standards. The training philosophy that the Resource Group has built, which places significant emphasis on practical training in an appropriate environment, will remain a cornerstone of our group's expansion plans both in the UK and beyond.”