A Glasgow graduate is thought to be the first in Scotland to complete a new Loganair programme.
Matthew O’Donnell took on the “challenging” modern apprenticeship, Pathway F, which saw him tackle complex engineering with the UK’s largest regional airline.
He was trained on the most diverse fleet of any commercial airline, according to Loganair, which gave him exposure to five different types of aircraft.
Now the 21-year-old is now a full-time member of staff and is urging others to take on the opportunity.
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He said: “The apprenticeship has been challenging but such a great experience with exposure to five different types of aircraft.
“Working with Loganair and its unique network provides a great opportunity, especially for a trainee.
“For anyone considering applying to be in the next intake, I’d highly recommend it.
“You require great problem-solving skills as you’re often troubleshooting and fault finding but the Loganair team is very supportive.”
Five other mechanical engineers also graduated following the four-year modern apprenticeship.
This included Aaron Shepherd, Greg Laird and Scott Greenhorn who are also from Glasgow, and Ross Irvine and Andrew Howden both from Aberdeen.
They enjoyed a special ceremony on Thursday, February 9 at Loganair’s base in Glasgow to celebrate the achievement.
The programme allowed the apprentices to receive a salary while studying and undertaking on-the-job training.
Each apprentice obtained a UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Part 66 aircraft maintenance licence.
Loganair engineers provide a range of quality maintenance services to support the airline’s fleet, which sees 42 aircraft operate across 70 routes.
This means trainees develop experience with smaller planes, including a DHC6 Twin Otter, and BN2 Islander as well as mid-size and larger aircraft, including ATR 42s and 72s, Saab 340s and Embraer 135s and 145s.
Gordon Keary, Head of engineering training at Loganair, said: “It has been a stellar effort from all involved in the 2018 cohort to complete all the requirements for graduation.
“It’s a pleasure to now welcome them as full-time members of the Loganair workforce.
“Looking ahead, we’ll soon be welcoming applications for the spring 2023 intake of eight new modern apprentices – which will be our biggest-ever in one year.”
Loganair trains and employs engineers across its network with maintenance operations currently based in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Isle of Man and Orkney.
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