Aspiring aviation engineers were given the chance to find out more about the industry in an event at Norwich airport.

Eastern Daily Press: KLM Engineering aviation apprentices show off their skills at the KLM apprentice event. Jack Lain, left, 19, and Keir Murray, 18, at work on an aircraft. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYKLM Engineering aviation apprentices show off their skills at the KLM apprentice event. Jack Lain, left, 19, and Keir Murray, 18, at work on an aircraft. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2015)

KLM UK Engineering organised the day in partnership with City College Norwich and the Aviation Skills Partnership to promote the apprenticeship courses, which start in September.

They will eventually be held in a new aviation academy after £3m was secured earlier this year towards the £12.5m project at Norwich International airport.

It will be the first of its kind in the UK and support 40 apprentices aged 16 to 18 per year, as well as degree-level and further and higher education courses in engineering, airport operations and cabin-crew training, for hundreds of students.

City College Norwich and KLM UK Engineering have joined forces to deliver the aviation engineering course. The event, in hangar three on Saturday, was the first joint promotion for the aviation engineering courses and explained the exciting concept.

Arjan Meijer, managing director for KLM UK Engineering said: 'It is the start of a new chapter in aviation apprenticeships and we are looking forward to working with City College Norwich, Aviation Skills Partnership and other business partners to deliver these courses.'

Last year more than 150 students attended the apprentice event where they had the chance to visit the facilities, learn about the company, meet the staff and ask questions about the programme.

Corrienne Peasgood, principal at City College Norwich said: 'Seeing young people inspired by the facilities, the opportunities and the possibility of a career in this dynamic industry was fantastic.'

Visit www.klmukengineering.com/en/careers

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