UK Industry Group Invests in Future Talent

The Air Charter Association is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a new sponsored internship program, supporting its UK compatriots with enhanced career opportunities as they forge their path into the industry.

It has been termed the ACA 75 Internship Program, and will offer a 3.5-month stint where youths 18 to 25 get "expert training, hands-on work experience, a competition project, and a networking and awards presentation event." The internship will start them off with 4 days of classroom training to establish a base of knowledge, where students report to the ACA's London airport base. Then, after passing an assessment, the students will be given a certificate of completion. From there, they will move on to a 1 to 2-week work placement with one of the ACA's member companies. Those jobs may include private air charter broker, ground handler, flight support company, aviation legal practice, insurance firm, catering provider, and pretty much anything that falls under the umbrella of private aviation. After completing their work assignment, interns will complete a unique project, reporting on a topic of interest as they compete for one of two top spots. Winners will be granted their award at the Air Charter Excellence Awards even next November.

Kevin Ducksbury, chairman of the Association, said the group should be able to source a lot more talent from the next generation. "I am delighted that The ACA is launching this new programme which will not only provide a much easier route for the next generation to enter the charter sector but will also support our member companies by introducing young, enthusiastic talent to support their future workforce. We have been looking at how the Association can support the industry with the current resource challenge for some time now and to be able to do this by providing opportunities to the next generation of aviation professionals in the Association's 75th year is very exciting. We hope that it will form the basis of an ongoing yearly programme to get as many people interested in our dynamic and rewarding sector."

The Association is accepting applications through June 10th, 2024. Details can be found on their website, or by direct contact with their associated email address.

FMI: www.theaircharterassociation.aero