Bombardier Aerospace Welcomes New Apprentices and Graduates

Bomberdier-Belfast-Apprentices

Bombardier Aerospace warmly welcomed 70 new apprentice and graduate recruits at an event in its Belfast facility today.

Bombardier has enrolled 40 apprentices this month on the largest apprenticeship scheme in Northern Ireland. The three-year programme supported by the Department of Employment and Learning, leads to an National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 certification in aeronautical engineering and provides a solid foundation for a future career in aerospace. In addition, 30 graduates have joined the company this year to follow a variety of professional paths within a fast-paced and innovative industry.

Many of these new recruits first heard about Bombardier through The Flight Experience programme, the company’s educational outreach to schools across Northern Ireland. Promoting science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) to young people, it also highlights stimulating and rewarding job opportunities in these subject areas. To reinforce its commitment to this programme, the company has been supporting the Department for Business Innovation and Skills’ STEMNET initiative and recently registered its 100th employee as a STEM Ambassador. Acting as role models, Bombardier volunteers work with schools to inform and inspire young people about the value of STEM subjects when making important decisions about their education and future careers.

During the event, Bombardier STEM Ambassadors, together with new apprentices and graduates, were introduced to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ Solicitor and Director General, Legal, Business and Skills, Rachel Sandby-Thomas.

“We are delighted to formally welcome our new apprentices and graduates on board. Our latest recruits are beginning exciting and fulfilling roles with Bombardier, which will equip them with a wide range of career-enhancing skills and knowledge. And as part of their personal development, our educational programme will register them as STEM Ambassadors so they can play an important part in mentoring their successors,” said Michael Ryan, Vice-President and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast.