The Air Charter Association (The ACA) is announcing the launch of a new sponsored internship programme, to coincide with its 75^th anniversary. The programme is designed to further support the next generation of air charter industry professionals and strengthen the pool of young talent within the sector.

The ACA 75 Internship Programme will run from August 2024 and is open to 18 – 25-year-olds interested in pursuing one of the many careers available in the aviation industry. It will provide insight into vocational opportunities, training, and practical experience in the air charter sector.

The three-month internship programme will offer four unique stages: expert training, hands-on work experience, a competition project, and a networking and awards presentation event. The first stage will consist of 4-days of classroom training, led by The ACA’s training experts at a London airport, covering fundamental aviation knowledge and an introduction to the many exciting and diverse opportunities available within the air charter industry. Interns will take an assessment at the end of the training and, upon successful completion, receive a certificate. All travel, accommodation and meals will be covered by The ACA.

The second stage of the internship takes place in September/October 2024 and will consist of a 1–2- week work experience placement, at one of The ACA’s prestigious member companies, offering a vast array of opportunities across the air charter sector. Potential placements include working with an aircraft operator, a private air charter broker, airport ground handler (FBO), flight support company, aviation legal practice, aviation insurance firm, bespoke aircraft catering provider, plus many more. Interns will join a professional team working in the air charter sector, providing them with valuable industry experience and contacts.

Following this stage, interns will then be invited to complete a unique project, consisting of a report on a chosen topic of interest within the industry. The top two rated intern projects will receive an award, to be presented at the prestigious Air Charter Excellence Awards event in Brighton on Thursday 21 November. All interns will receive a complimentary invitation to attend this highly renowned event, with over 500 industry delegates in attendance. The awards will provide a fantastic networking opportunity, allowing interns to engage with potential employers from The ACA’s 400+ member companies.

All applications for the 2024 internship programme must be received by 09:00 BST on Monday 10 June 2024. For further details on how to apply please visit The ACA website or contact info@theaircharterassociation.aero.

Kevin Ducksbury, chairman, The ACA says, “I am delighted that The ACA is launching this new programme which will not only provide a much easier route for the next generation to enter the charter sector but will also support our member companies by introducing young, enthusiastic talent to support their future workforce. We have been looking at how the Association can support the industry with the current resource challenge for some time now and to be able to do this by proving opportunities to the next generation of aviation professionals in the Association’s 75th year is very exciting. We hope that it will form the basis of an ongoing yearly programme to get as many people interested in our dynamic and rewarding sector.”