A flying success – London South East Colleges’ student lands dream job

With this weekend’s Biggin Hill Festival of Flight set to celebrate the world of aviation, a former London South East Colleges student is celebrating the launch of an exciting career.

Tom Svensen (19) from Sidcup recently completed his Level 3 Electrical Engineering Diploma at London South East Colleges’ Bromley Campus. He has always had a passion for aviation and thanks to a chance meeting with an airline pilot, he has now been offered a full time job as a trainee aircraft engineer at Falcon Flying Services.

In March this year Tom had ridden his new motorbike to Biggin Hill airport to take some photos. He was spotted by the managing director of AirLingua, Yola Foister, who invited him for a tour. Tom then spent time corresponding with Yola and asking how best to get a foot into the industry. His tenacity paid off and Tom was introduced to Falcon Flying Services, who went on to offer him work experience.

The MD of Falcon was so impressed with Tom’s passion and enthusiasm that he has now offered him a full time position as a trainee aircraft engineer.

Shonu Bamrah, MD of Falcon Flying Group says:

“We are always on the look out for enthusiastic talent and Tom’s interest and passion for the industry really shone through. He is a brilliant asset to our team here and is set for a very successful career in the aviation industry.

“I would advise any budding aviation engineers to come along to Biggin Hill this weekend and hear more about the career opportunities on offer in this exciting sector.”

Tom adds:

“This job really is a dream come true for me. I have always been fascinated by aviation as it is without doubt the most interesting and diverse modes of transport.

“My ambition is to one day work for one of the big airlines as an aircraft engineer. I am so grateful to everyone who has supported me at Falcon and of course, the lovely pilot who spotted me outside the airport that day.

“I would urge people to follow their career dreams as anything is possible if you are determined. I am really excited about my future in aviation and this weekend’s Air Show is a great place for people to find out more about the industry.”

London South East Colleges has teamed up with Falcon Flying Group to offer Festival of Flight visitors the chance to win a flying lesson.

The competition will be run during the two-day event, asking entrants to take an educated guess on some facts about the aircraft on display. The lucky winner will receive a one-hour flying lesson in a Cessna 152 at EFG Flying School, which is the oldest Flying School at Biggin Hill Airport

Falcon will also be exhibiting two of its Piper PA28-161 aircraft at the airshow, giving guests a guided tour of these amazing flying machines.

This exciting event marks the launch of a new Aerospace and Aviation Engineering course starting at London South East Colleges in September 2017. The Level 2 Diploma will be open to students who are interested in a career in this exciting industry.

The College is currently working with a number of partners – including the London Borough of Bromley, Bombardier and the airport itself – to establish an Aerospace College at Biggin Hill. This initiative will address the chronic shortage of aerospace engineers and the wider skills needs of the aviation industry.

Louise Wolsey, Executive Director of Corporate and Strategic Development at London South East Colleges, says: “Aerospace and Aviation are rapidly growing industries with a huge range of job opportunities. London South East Colleges is working closely with a host of partners to help businesses meet their skills needs over the coming years – whilst also helping young people to advance exciting careers.

“The Biggin Hill Festival of Flight is the perfect opportunity to showcase our new Aerospace course and our planned College at London Biggin Hill Airport. Thanks to Falcon, visitors will have the chance to win a flying lesson and to see two of their Piper aeroplanes. Be sure to pay our stand a visit!”

There are limited spaces available on London South East Colleges’ new Aviation and Aerospace Level 2 Diploma starting this September – For more information about Learning to Fly at Biggin Hill please visit the Falcon Flying Group website.