APPRENTICE aircraft engineers have graduated at RAF Linton-on-Ouse after 20 months of training.

The four trainees have become employed as airframe technicians at the base.

Paul Miller, of Haxby, and Craig Pagram from Selby, along with Ryan Macpherson and Rob Yewdall, both from Harrogate, carried out their apprenticeship with VT Aerospace Ltd. The company provides engineering and logistic support to RAF Linton with more than 300 employees at the base.

Twenty-five apprentices have trained at the base since 1996. The scheme is on-going with other students including Luke Hunter, of Tadcaster, and Leon Rowson, of Harrogate, who are mid-way through their training. The next intake of four will start in October.

VT Aerospace is contracted to maintain Linton's fleet of 80 Tucanos, from flight line to in-depth scheduled maintenance.

The contract is part of a partnering arrangement between the company and the RAF and this year marks the 20th anniversary of civilian servicing at RAF Linton - the first RAF base to use non-RAF engineers.

Andy Garner, contract manager for VT Aerospace, said: "VT Aerospace is at Linton-on-Ouse to keep the RAF's Tucano aircraft flying safely.

"We do this by employing the very best engineers and by investing in their training.

"The modern apprenticeship scheme means we can provide a unique opportunity for young people from the local community to get into this excellent and rewarding profession."

Updated: 11:46 Thursday, May 19, 2005