Young Talent Takes Off
It was farewell and good luck in Basel last week, as six apprentices finished their training to set off on new adventures in the aviation industry.
Thomas Münzer, Koray Yigit, Fabian Benz, Joshua Zoutendijk, Laurin Dürscheidt, and Angelo Di Salvo joined the Jet Aviation Basel team between 2017 and 2018, as part of their apprenticeship training. Last Friday, the team were joined at a small farewell event by Cyril Martiniere, VP MRO Services Europe and GM Basel, Jeremie Caillet, VP VIP Completion Services, Chiara de Zanna, Director Shops & Hangar Operations, and Apprentice Manager Hansueli Wüthrich, as well as a host of well-wishers.
"I would like to thank the Basel site leadership for their commitment to the apprenticeship program," said Hansueli Wüthrich. "Also, the training staff and managers for their support and for passing on their skills and knowledge to this group of young people. Finally, thank you to the apprentices, for your dedication throughout the years. We wish you all the best for the future."
But enough from us, let's hear from the newly qualified artisans of aviation themselves. We asked them what inspired them to pursue a career in aviation, what they hoped to gain from their time at Jet Aviation, and what they are looking forward to in the future.
Thomas Münzer, 24, Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic
"Aviation has been my passion since I was a child. It started when my father bought me a small remote-control aircraft – ever since then I have been looking towards the sky. When I started my apprenticeship, I hoped to learn all there was about aviation. Now I know that that is impossible! Nevertheless, working with so many highly skilled individuals has taught me a lot over the past four years. I'm looking forward to continuing to learn and hopefully obtaining my B1 license in a few years. I am excited to keep on improving the safety of aviation, and continuing to exceed our customers' expectations every time."
Koray Yigit, 19, Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic
"Aviation has fascinated me since I was a child, and I was excited to start my apprenticeship and gain a good education for a future career in this industry. I hope to go on to have a career that is exciting, challenging, and also encouraging."
Fabian Benz, 19, Upholstery Technician
"I have always been fascinated by hand craftsmanship, and the exciting and varied work I have been able to pursue as part of my apprenticeship has allowed me to build on this passion. I'm looking forward to the challenges of the future!"
“Aviation has been my passion since I was a child – ever since then I have been looking towards the sky”
Joshua Zoutendijk, 20, Sheet Metal Technician (MTX)
"I always wanted to work on and with aircraft. To see how they work and to learn about the job of an Aviation Technician. During my apprenticeship, I was happy to gain a wide range of skills and knowhow – how to build something from a raw sheet of metal – but I would be interested in learning more of the theory side of things in the future. I'm excited to see more and learn more and continue to improve my own work."
Laurin Dürscheidt, 20, IT Specialist
"I chose aviation as I wanted to be part of an industry that is actively shaping the future through innovation and digitization. This is a profession of the future, and there are always new and exciting developments. The apprenticeship offered me all of the opportunities I had hoped for, from my training and choosing my specialist field of work, to the diverse and international environment. I'm looking forward to new challenges ahead!"
Angelo Di Salvo, 19, Sheet Metal Mechanic (Production)
"I am technically skilled and interested in mechanical machines, so aviation was a great fit for me. I was looking forward to learning a lot about different machines, and I hope to continue this in my professional life."
Well done and good luck to Thomas, Koray, Fabian, Joshua, Laurin and Angelo!