Andy Fishwick, an apprentice helicopter maintenance engineer with PremiAir, the UK’s largest helicopter charter and management company, has been named South East Advanced Apprentice of the Year winner 2010 by the Learning Skills Council.

The awards celebrate excellence in vocational education across the south-east region and acknowledge the outstanding achievements of individuals at every stage in their career.  Andy will now go on to compete against regional winners from across the country at the National Apprenticeship Awards, to be held at Westminster Plaza in London on June 15, 2010.

Andy, 19, was selected for the PremiAir apprenticeship scheme, in conjunction with Farnborough College of Technology, in 2007.  He continues to study for City & Guilds and NVQ qualifications in aircraft maintenance at Farnborough, as well as enjoying the hands-on aspects of his chosen career at PremiAir’s executive helicopter maintenance and engineering centre at Blackbushe Airport.

“It is a great privilege to win this award,” said Andy.  “I am thrilled, especially because I was up against some tough competition.  I will now continue my work, including learning and development because it’s a vital part of ensuring we are constantly striving for excellence in the workplace.”

Barry Stone, PremiAir’s Engineering Director, said:  “Andy is quite simply an outstanding apprentice.  Over the past two years we have witnessed him build his confidence both in his career and at a personal level.  As a result he is extremely competent at carrying out skilled tasks.  He achieved two license modules in just two months, received an outstanding company appraisal and consistently produces work to high standards.  Andy now hopes to complete his apprenticeship to progress through the company and encourage other young people to start their careers in aviation.  He has a very bright future ahead of him.”

PremiAir remains committed to the apprenticeship scheme and will take on another apprentice from Farnborough College of Technology later this year, bringing the number of apprentices employed by PremiAir to eight.  Barry Stone commented:  “The apprenticeship scheme represents a significant investment by PremiAir, however, we view it as a long-term venture and we will certainly reap the benefits in the future whilst providing young men and women from the local community with exciting career opportunities.”