STS Aviation’s Forces to Civilian Transition Programme 2024 has been created to offer ex-military personnel and veterans a secure and supported transition back into civilian life, through an exciting apprenticeship that will not only provide an opportunity to gain a UK CAA B1 Mechanical Licence or B2 Avionics Licence, but also a potential route into a new career in engineering and aviation.
As part of the programme, apprentices – who Carbon60, using our extensive recruitment experience and expertise, are helping STS find and recruit – will benefit from vital hands-on experience, training, and theoretical learning provided by Air Service Training (AST), the UK’s leading provider of aircraft maintenance training.
Who are Air Service Training (AST)?
AST are the UK’s leading and longest established Approved Maintenance Training Organisation, providing training and education for a range of licence categories as defined by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) & UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA).
Training engineers is one of the most demanding professions, requiring dedication, expertise and experience, yet from their training centres in Perth, Scotland – and locations around the world – Air Service Training have continued to provide the best aircraft engineering training for nearly a century.
AST offer training through an EASA / UK Approved Basic Part 66 (Category B) Course; short, EASA / UK Part 66 Modular Courses; and a EASA / UK Part 66 Zero to Hero programme covering all modules in relation to B1.1, B1.2, B1.3 and B2 Licence Categories, and have trained engineers for some of the largest civilian and military aviation organisations in the world.
Air Service Training (AST) is the UK’s premier and most established Approved Maintenance Training Organisation, with a rich history of nearly a century in aircraft engineering education. Recognised by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA), AST offers a unique opportunity for military leavers to leverage their skills and experience in a new arena.
Located in Perth, Scotland, with additional training centres worldwide, AST provides rigorous, high-quality training that equips engineers with the expertise required for the demanding civilian sector. We offer a comprehensive range of EASA and UK-approved courses, including the Basic Part 66 (Category B) Course, modular training, and a comprehensive Zero to Hero programme. This programme covers all modules needed for B1.1, B1.2, B1.3, and B2 Licence Categories.
AST has a proud history of training engineers for some of the world’s largest civilian and military aviation organizations. By joining AST and STS, apprentices will be equipped to excel in civilian aviation, building on the dedication, expertise, and experience they have honed in the military.
What Training is Provided in the Forces to Civilian Transition Programme 2024?
For their Forces to Civilian Transition Programme, STS are looking for service leavers and veterans with a minimum of 5 years’ mechanical or avionics experience to join them, and for the many spaces available in the programme they are searching for some people currently without a UK CAA B1 Mechanical Licence or B2 Avionics Licence. These individuals will join at step one of the programme and receive training ahead of deployment.
The training provided by AST will include all the CAA Part-66 Category B licence modules required to be accredited with a UK CAA B1 Mechanical Licence or B2 Avionics Licence, whilst individuals will also get hands-on experience with aircraft as part of practical on-the-job training included in the apprenticeship. This will include a 22-week classroom-based course for obtaining a B licence, followed by a type rating course on a wide body aircraft.
Training for a B1 Licence will provide individuals with the skills, experience and qualifications required to kickstart an exciting aviation engineering career, meanwhile B2 Licence training is for learning and implementing the technical skills required for a career in avionics.
Put simply, B1 training will focus on providing experience and expertise in engines and other elements of aircraft that enables them to reach the skies; B2 training enables the manufacturing and maintenance of electronics and other systems that keep them there.
Licenced to Start a Career in Aviation
The training given by Air Service Training won’t only build skillsets and experience and provide a chance to gain the accreditation required for a role in aviation; as part of STS Aviation’s Forces to Civilian Transition programme, it’ll open a door straight into an exciting new career.
Upon completing their chosen programme – whether it's the Approved Basic Training with practical components, or one of our theory-based options like the Zero to Hero, modular courses – apprentices will have earned the relevant experience and qualifications. Following this, they will transition into a role with STS, a globally recognised leader in the aviation industry. STS has a strong presence across the UK and internationally, offering access to world-class facilities and resources. This partnership ensures that skills and experience of the apprentices are not only valued but also fully utilised in a dynamic and well-established aviation environment.
Want to Find Out More About This Opportunity?
More details about STS Aviation’s Forces to Civilian Transition programme, including information about placement location and start dates, salary, work patterns and progression opportunities can be found by clicking here.
