Engineering Development & Apprenticeships Manager in Bournemouth

/ Position: Engineering Development & Apprenticeships Manager

/ Location: Bournemouth (Hybrid working can be agreed)

/ Working Hours: Full-Time or Part-Time hours available, with flexibility on working pattern within a Mon-Fri schedule

Based at our Bournemouth MRO facility, we’re looking for an experienced and passionate Engineering Development & Apprenticeships Manager to lead the development of our future MRO workforce across all MRO sites. While Bournemouth will be your primary base, you will work closely with colleagues across the wider MRO network and will be expected to travel between sites as required to support apprentices, Mechanics and operational managers.

You will take ownership of our engineering apprenticeship programmes, the Mechanic to Licensed Aircraft Engineer (Part 66) development pathway, and apprenticeship programmes across wider MRO functions. Working in partnership with operational leaders and training providers, you will ensure individuals receive the structure, guidance and support they need to progress successfully, identifying barriers to development and implementing practical solutions to keep them on track.

Through regular coaching, performance reviews and development planning, you’ll help ensure our people successfully complete their programmes while maintaining the high standards expected within a regulated aviation environment. You will also play a key role in developing and enhancing our engineering development pathways, ensuring they continue to meet both regulatory requirements and the evolving needs of the business. This is a hands-on role requiring someone who is passionate about developing people, building strong relationships and driving continuous improvement.

We are open to both full-time and part-time applications, with flexibility around working days and hours within a Monday to Friday working pattern. If you’re motivated by seeing people succeed, enjoy working collaboratively with operational teams and want to make a lasting impact on development,

/ About us:

Gama Aviation is a hugely diverse business that offers much more than perhaps its name would suggest. Yes, we fly but we also save lives, provide mission critical intelligence, and build systems that deliver decisive advantage.

With operations in the UK, Jersey, Europe and the Middle East, a career with us can offer travel, personal growth opportunities and the ability for long-term progression in a fast paced and dynamic service industry.

/ Responsibilities:

Engineering Apprenticeships

• Lead end to end management of all engineering apprenticeship programmes
• Work with each engineering site to identify current and future engineering apprenticeship requirements, taking into consideration operational constraints
• On a quarterly basis, partner with line managers to assess individual’s performance as part of the apprenticeship programme and support the provision of feedback
• In partnership with line managers, annually review each apprentices’ performance to ensure progression in line with the apprenticeship programme and development matrix; obtaining MD approval prior to formalising
• Liaise with apprenticeship providers to monitor quality, attendance and achievement
• Manage apprenticeship documentation and ensure compliance with funding and regulatory requirements
• Identify and support apprentices who require additional learning
• Support apprenticeship assessment recruitment

Part 66 & LAE Development Pathways

• Manage the development of Mechanics across the MRO, identifying needs for development and associated training /support
• Manage the development pathway for mechanics progressing towards Part 66 licences
• Coordinate Part 66 module training with approved training providers
• In collaboration with line managers, maintain development plans for all employees on the licence pathway
• Conduct regular progress reviews with mechanics undertaking modules
• Identify barriers to successful completion and implement appropriate support
• Work with line managers to plan practical experience and licence progression
• Track licence module completion, examinations and practical experience requirements
• Work in partnership with line managers to identify opportunities for and develop apprenticeship programmes across MRO support functions; Planning, Stores, Technical Records, Purchasing, Compliance, Business Support
• Work with departmental managers to identify future skills gaps for apprenticeship opportunities
• Develop structured development pathways for apprentices in line with qualification syllabus
• In partnership with the Talent Acquisition Manager, build strong relationships with colleges, universities and training providers.
• Promote apprenticeship programmes alongside the Talent team at careers fairs and STEM events
• Work closely with the Part 147 Training Manager to ensure alignment between regulatory training and employee development
• Manage / Liaise with Apprenticeship Providers ensuring ROI and Quality Control of Apprenticeship Schemes
• Attend Apprenticeship meetings as required, in line with Government requirements
• Continuous improvement of engineering development and apprenticeship processes and administration

/ Skills, Qualifications and Experience required:

• Experience within an engineering or technical apprenticeship environment, delivering support, management and guidance
• Experience supporting individuals through structured learning programmes
• Experience working with apprenticeship providers and external training organisations
• Experience with apprentices and relationships with apprentice providers
• Coaching and mentoring skills
• Strong organisation and planning
• Ability to influence senior operational managers
• Problem-solving and continuous improvement
• Credible and confident when working with engineers
• Proactive and solutions-focused
• Able to build trusted relationships across all levels
• Resilient and adaptable
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
• Committed to continuous improvement
• Flexible, including a willingness to travel offsite including all MRO sites as required

Advantageous

• Experience within aviation or aviation related environment, managing engineering apprenticeships
• Understanding of Part 66 licence requirements

/ In addition to a Competitive Salary, we will offer you:

• Great Work-Life Balance with our Hybrid Working Policy - 3 days in the office, 2 days from home
• Comprehensive Private Healthcare (after successful passing of probation) *
• Free Car Parking
• 2 Paid Volunteering Days each calendar year (subject to line manager approval)
• Investment in Training, Qualifications and Professional Development

* (Subject to insurance underwriting)