With help, BA started putting a new apprentice scheme in place, before coming to us to improve on what was already in place and make the whole scheme work at every level. The end result was that they realised they would be better off outsourcing the whole process to us and so we created a joint apprenticeship between BA and Shorterm. This apprenticeship has become a unique and effective way to make sure that we are continuing to build the levels of skills that are required by the industry.

BA recognise that with an ageing workforce they are heading for a massive shortage of skills, but they continue to trust our expertise and experience to head this off. We are clear that investing in the future is critical, as the industry, and the number of jobs within it are predicted to grow significantly over the next 10 years.

We manage the apprentices closely, having regular meetings with them in addition to their assessments. They also go and do on-the-job training with BA when college is closed, and continue to do day release to college in their second year. It's quite a commitment on our part, and they become part of our family.

The apprentices come out with formal qualifications including a Level 3 NVQ and City and Guilds and on completion are generally accepted for full-time positions with BA.

To fit with the criteria for apprenticeships nationally, the apprentices are generally aged 16-18 with 5 GCSEs at grade B or above.