BBGA celebrates new talent - BBGA Association Limited

BBGA is actively engaging with young people to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. We are involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting careers in aviation including our #Bizavenables social media campaign, links with the Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform, our collaboration with Stansted Airport College and our support of apprenticeship programmes to name a few.

We are delighted to celebrate new talent and highlight the story of Owen, a 20-year-old apprentice who recently graduated from BBGA member, Gama Aviation’s apprenticeship programme and is now a fully qualified Operations Controller.

How did you first learn about the apprenticeship programme for flight ops controllers, and what motivated you to apply?

I saw the apprenticeship advertised on the government website. The chance to work at Farnborough Airport perfectly aligned with my interests and career goals.

Can you describe what your day-to-day experiences were like during the apprenticeship?

During my apprenticeship, I gained valuable skills that I believe are applicable in any role within the aviation industry. A typical day as an Ops Controller is varied and entails: Flight and weather watch; ground operations administrative tasks; daily tasks and priorities; Ops systems; flight planning; air ambulance operations procedures and utilisation of myairops software systems and trip support. I passed the apprenticeship after completing exams, observations, and coursework.

Were there any specific challenges you faced during your training, and how did you overcome them?

Adapting to 12-hour shifts and working in an office environment for the first time was challenging but colleagues were extremely understanding and helpful throughout.

How did the structured training and mentorship contribute to your growth and development in the field of flight operations?

Regular meetings and progress reviews helped me understand my achievements and the next steps to further my abilities in the workplace. The programme’s comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and direct pathway to an Operations Controller position made it both enjoyable and valuable.

What advice would you give to those who are considering a similar career path or an apprenticeship in aviation?

I would certainly recommend considering an apprenticeship in aviation. Hands-on experience and performing the controller role in a supported environment have been insightful, helped me gain confidence and many other skills.

In your opinion, why is it important for companies to encourage and support young talent to pursue careers in the aviation industry?

After visiting different airlines and going on residentials with other apprentices, I gained a huge insight into how popular this industry is among young people. It’s great to see so many young adults pursuing a career in aviation.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals within the aviation field? How do you see your role evolving over time?

I hope to keep progressing my career with this company and am excited about what the future holds. The diverse sectors of the business offer opportunities for career development and possibilities across the globe.

Sean Ramsay, Head of Ground Operations Services, Gama Aviation, comments: “These young apprentices represent the future of our industry, and we couldn’t be more excited to see their growth and potential. At Gama Aviation, we believe in equipping the next generation with the skills and experience they need to thrive in aviation. Their fresh perspectives, combined with the solid foundation we provide, will play a crucial role in shaping the future of operations in aviation.”

Paul Cremer, Head of Aviation Delivery, Gama Aviation, adds: “At Gama Aviation, we are incredibly proud of the apprenticeship programme we run in conjunction with Crosby Training for Operations Controllers, which has been a great success so far. As a result of this, we are pleased to announce we are adding two new apprentices to our team. Investing in the next generation is essential for the future of our industry, and our programme provides the foundation for a long, rewarding career in aviation. With the rapid evolution of new technologies in aviation, this sector is more exciting than ever, and we are committed to nurturing the talent that will drive its future.”

Paul Cremer

My name is Paul Cremer, and this marks my 42nd year working within the business and general aviation industry. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing a diverse array of sector activities, ranging from aircraft charter and management to air ambulance services, ground operations, air traffic control, airport management, technology implementation, and the outsourcing services I currently manage.

In my role focused on delivering advisory, technology, and outsourcing services to aviation customers, I handle a wide spectrum of responsibilities. This includes overseeing International Trip Support, Operations Control Centre Services (OCC), Continuing Airworthiness Management Service (CAMO), Airworthiness Reviews, ARC Services, Aircraft Delivery and Re-delivery Support Services, Maintenance Coordination Services including AOG, Tech Ops (Maintenance Control Centre), and managing myairops software products. As the Head of Aviation Delivery, I lead the customer-facing delivery of Technology & Outsourcing products and services for the market, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and industry connections within Gama Aviation’s Technology and Outsourcing Strategic Business Unit.

My journey into Business and General Aviation began during my teenage years while still in school. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the industry, starting at a flying club, and later working at the Air Traffic Services Unit at Blackbushe Airport. There, I maintained the ATC Movement Logs in the Control Tower during weekends, solidifying my passion for aviation. Upon completing my schooling, I seized opportunities at Fairoaks Airport, where I began as Ground Crew while pursuing my Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer’s license. Advancements in my career led me to the role of Air Traffic Services Manager.

Since joining Gama Aviation in 1996, I’ve held various positions, including Operations Manager (Post Holder), Operations & Commercial Manager, Commercial Manager, Operations Delivery Manager, Head of Business Aviation Delivery, and currently, Head of Aviation Delivery. This role encompasses Gama Aviation Group’s Gama Aviation, myairops, and FlyerTech companies.

In 2023, I was honoured to be invited to serve as the Chair of the Operations Working Group for the British Business & General Aviation Association. This opportunity allows me to contribute to industry initiatives within BBGA’s membership of nearly 200 industry companies, focusing on challenges such as regulatory compliance, Air Services Agreements, technological advancements, workforce development, operational matters, and sustainability.

Marc Bailey

Marc Bailey has spent his entire career in aviation and has worked in most areas of Aviation Services with scheduled airlines, MRO’s, military contract support and latterly with associations, government, and its agencies.

Marc represents your position in Europe (even post Brexit) – as President of ECOGAS (European Council of General Aviation Support) which maintains a voice with EASA. All the major member states are represented on the ECOGAS board. With EASA restructuring its meetings with industry, ECOGAS is now well positioned to represent our position in all areas following industry partnerships with the European Independent Maintenance Group and with ARPAS the new drone and autonomous association.

Marc is chair of the UKASF (United Kingdom Airworthiness Strategic Forum) as part of an initiative to develop Aviation Services across all aviation activities. The UKASF pulls together airlines, MROs, Rotary, Drones, and commercial GA bodies to work with CAA and DfT. The objective is for industry to take the lead to drive strategic issues to benefit all parties. We are well positioned after four years to continue our good work and with the re-established role of Chief Surveyor in the CAA we have a good focal point to do this.

Marc chairs the CAA Finance and Services Forum which allows industry in the UK to discuss in the financial plans for the CAA and the value for money delivered by those funds paid by industry. This is a new and valuable new platform for all parties.

Under recent developments Marc has formed an alliance with, ARPAS, AOPA, BHA and BBGA so that we can strengthen our voice under a joint ‘GA 4 Biz’ banner. This alliance is working to do everything possible to represent the industry’s business interests with UK government and to help realise the Government’s desire to make UK General Aviation a Global Leader in a post Brexit environment. GA4Biz – GA4Biz

The next Generation initiatives with industry and government have continued to develop with the retention platform now evolving into the “Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform”. The platform now not only offers a vehicle for those offering and seeking posts in aviation, it also provides pathways with its TalentView portion seeking to provide pathways for new entrants into our sector. The recruitment platform is being further developed to include training opportunities across a wide range of providers, from government agencies through academic bodies. Getting our next generation activities right in the UK over the next couple of years is our single most important issue which we in aviation must grab with both hands. Marc is playing a central role to help develop many of these channels.

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