Sixth Former's Career Set To Take Flight

When Josh Burnett started fixing engines on go-karts with his Dad when he was younger, little did he know that he would eventually train to fix engines on aircraft.

Josh, who is currently taking his A Levels in Physics, Product Design and Computer Science, will start KLM’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineer apprenticeship in September after successfully completing a workshop and an interview with the aircraft maintenance company.

Josh said: “I am extremely excited about the apprenticeship and to be working on aircraft. To be able to look up and think I have helped put that plane in the sky is incredible. I am so grateful to the support and education Hellesdon Sixth Form has given me to get to this point. They have helped me massively.”

Josh was introduced to the apprenticeship with KLM UK Engineering through teachers at the sixth form after the Wensum Trust partnered with them to inspire the next generation of aviation engineers.

Richard Taylor, Director of Hellesdon Sixth Form, said: "It's fantastic news that Josh has secured an apprenticeship with KLM UK Engineering. It's a brilliant achievement after a lot of hard work. He takes with him our very best wishes for what promises to be a bright future in aviation engineering."

Claire Oliff, Head of Technical College at KLM UK Engineering, said: “We’re proud to welcome the newest cohort of Aircraft Maintenance Apprentices. The enthusiasm and potential shown by candidates like Josh are a powerful reminder of why we remain committed to developing the next generation of skilled aviation engineers.”