Training

Operationally critical, AirTanker delivers one of the world’s most sophisticated aviation training programmes to the RAF

A partnership for the long term

AirTanker has a responsibility to provide training to the RAF in support of its Voyager Air Transport, Air-to-Air Refuelling and Aeromedical Evacuation roles. This is done in addition to the training we deliver to our own employees and those RAF embedded team members ‘seconded’ to the Voyager programme.

As part of its pioneering approach, RAF Squadron personnel, Sponsored Reservists, embedded RAF personnel and civilians are trained together by role-type, sharing knowledge and drawing on best practice from civilian and military aviation and Defence.

A service like no other

Training is delivered for the most part at AirTanker’s state-of-the art training facility, the Voyager Academy, at RAF Brize Norton. The Academy houses classrooms, lecture theatres, a full motion simulator, which includes air to air refuelling training and a part task trainer (PTT), which represents a multi-million pound investment.

Training is delivered by a number of partners including Thales, Babcock (IT), Babcock (MT/GSE) and the RAF.

Amongst many, courses include Pilot and Mission Systems Operator Air-to-Air Refuelling Training, A330-200 Type Rating, Military and Civilian Cabin Crew Training, Engineering Part 66 License Course to include practical training, MT/GSE Training, IT Training, AirTanker’s learning and development programme, Sponsored Reservists and Military Training.

The Voyager Training Service

AirTanker has the responsibility for training in support of the FSTA Programme. Its delivery is centrally coordinated by the Voyager Training Service, a collaboration between AirTanker, Thales, Babcock and the RAF.

Training is split according to user-groups: pilots; cabin crew; engineers; flight ops; and the rest of the Voyager community.

With training and education a central part of what we do, we are committed to sharing our expertise in support of the wider community.

The next-generation workforce

In 2016, AirTanker launched its first apprenticeship scheme within Aeronautical Engineering. Since then, we have continued to expand our apprenticeship footprint and to date, provide additional apprenticeship schemes within Finance and Information Technology.

Our apprenticeship schemes are designed to provide a dedicated training and education programme in an environment perfect for learning. Through the support of trained mentors, we provide on-hand support and guidance throughout all training to fully integrate all apprentices within the business.

Educating the next generation

As part of our STEM Development Programme, AirTanker work with many primary and secondary schools within West Oxfordshire and surrounding areas, presenting and harmonising with the School’s own curriculum to help enhance an understanding of engineering and the wider industry.

AirTanker has committed to work in partnership with Carterton Community College and RAF Brize Norton to support school children in developing and building core skills in Science, Technology, Maths and Engineering (STEM). We also hope to support their transition through the school system and encourage them to have an active, practical and creative interest in science, engineering, technology and maths.