AIRBUS is racing to recruit the 500 skilled workers it needs to cope with demand.
The aerospace giant’s Broughton factory has taken on 67 apprentices and 20 new employees in past days.
But a stream of massive orders – including two contracts for 100 planes, worth £6.7bn – means the plane maker’s Broughton wing-making factory is in need of reinforcements.
Speaking at an event celebrating The Future By Airbus at West Cheshire College in Ellesmere Port, UK boss Paul McKinlay said: “Our order book is very strong and we have 500 jobs up for grabs, split between Broughton and Filton.
“It’s been a fantastic year for us and there is huge demand. We’re trying to get the right workers to fill these places.”
Airbus provides work for more than 100,000 people through a supply chain of more than 400 companies across the UK.
Its graduate and apprentice training scheme has been lauded – notably by David Cameron on opening the Flintshire site’s North Factory 12 months ago – and this latest influx will give the local economy a major injection.
The latest cohort will learn more about aircraft manufacturing and engineering during one of the three-year programmes the group offers.
Apprenticeship manager Gary Griffiths said: “Our new starters are joining Airbus at a very exciting time. These apprentices will be gaining practical experience of working for a major manufacturer while also gaining qualifications that will help take their career much further.”
We reported in August how China’s ICBC Financial Leasing Co Ltd (ICBC Leasing) ordered 50 Airbus planes worth £2.2bn. It was a part of a series of Europe-China contracts signed in the presence of German chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese premier Wen Jiabao.
That came just three days after a firm £4.5bn request for 50 planes from Philippine Airlines.
