'Train local workers or lose the industry'

Engineering sector needs new talent

Training of skilled local workers is essential if the Island's aircraft maintenance industry is to survive in future.

That's according to Chris Astley, the maintenance manager for Western Atlantic at Ronaldsway Airport.

His company services aircraft is destined for use across the globe, but recently had to import much of its staff from off-Island.

Globally the aviation industry is running low on skilled engineers and pilots.

University College Isle of Man has apprentices on many of its engineering courses, some of which train with Western Atlantic at the airport. 

Mr Astley says the industry needs young, local workers: