Flying high: The Launch Group
The Launch Group is a specialist training and recruitment provider that works nationally using Government and commercial funding to deliver diverse pre-employment programmes in the aviation sector. The highly regarded training provider recently received the "Provider of the Year" award by the Aviation Skills Partnership.
They currently deliver specialist employability programmes, hinged on vocational education and accredited qualifications, provide learners with the launch pad from which they can confidently enter employment in the aviation industry.
Responding to the niche and specialised recruitment demands for aviation, The Launch Group ensures that their learners are equipped with the specialist knowledge to give them a competitive edge and ensure as they seek employment. They currently meet the recruitment demands of 9 of the UK’s busiest airports.
Amongst their vast portfolio of solutions for learners, the Launch Group uses NCFE technical qualifications, including the Level 1 Exploring the Aviation Industry and the Level 2 Certificate in Introduction to Cabin Crew.
James Stevenson, learner at The Launch Group commented: "The Level 2 Certificate in Introduction to Cabin Crew gave me a great insight into the roles and responsibilities of the cabin crew. I've gained skills that are required on the job and taking part in simulated scenarios really built my confidence and was a truly enjoyable experience."
Director of The Launch Group, Stefan Kiszel said:
“We chose NCFE as they offer a wide variety of qualifications which provide learners with an introduction to the niche terminology used within the industry. The employability unit fits our pre-employment model and gives our learners an insight in to how to conduct themselves in interviews and develop transferable skills.”
Their learners are of all ages and focus on 19+ using AEB funding, and they deliver Princes Trust programmes from the age of 16 in their ‘Get into’ programme. Receiving an accredited qualification for their skills means that learners have something tangible to demonstrate what they have learned. This empowers them and is complemented by gaining employability skills, which gives them a competitive edge and prepares them for the workplace.
They also cater for Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) learners, including mature learners and those who wish to retrain. People who’ve been made redundant and want to retrain are the most positive about the qualification as it gives them the confidence to interview and enter the workplace again.
As learners often don’t have any pre-employment knowledge or industry insight, the pre-employment skills gives them an insight into what to expect when it comes to interviews and help to prepare for assessment centres. Employers also see learners who have completed the programme as an attractive prospect, with a fantastic 70-80% of those leaners going on to get a job.
Mr Kizsel added:
“After 5 years, I would recommend using NCFE. They have a vast array of versatile qualifications and their service is the key driver.
"When you speak to anyone at NCFE they know how to handle every situation, there’s a flexibility and someone is trying to help at every touch point. Customer Service colleagues are very knowledgeable and I’m very confident with their knowledge and expertise."