We’re delighted to announce Peter Gardner, Apprenticeship & Talent Development Manager UK&I for Menzies Aviation as the new chair of the Aviation Industry Skills Board (AISB).

After joining the AISB in 2017, Peter has been instrumental in leading the work of the aviation ground handling apprenticeships as chair of the Special Interest Group, and brings with him a wealth of experience in learning and development within aviation.

Sandra Kelly, UK Director for People 1st International says:

“We’re extremely pleased to have Peter in the role of AISB Chair to take forward the work of the board in a collaborative approach to skills development – helping to ensure industry has the critical skills required as it rebuilds beyond Covid.

“Aviation has been one of the hardest hit industries throughout the pandemic and building back with a workforce whose attributes and behaviours are valued and nurtured will provide the much-needed reinforcement to deliver the skills employers need to prosper long-term.”

Peter has over 14 years’ experience in aviation. Having started his career as a Passenger Service Agent for Servisair, he quickly progressed into a role with bmi working within their premium team to focus on the airlines high value customers and top-level frequent flyers. After successfully obtaining his degree in Airline & Airport Management, his passion for learning and development began after starting at Menzies Aviation where he took a secondment to Training & Quality Officer after completing 18 months as a Lead Check-in Agent. Working as a trainer, Peter helped upskill colleagues across the team as the business went through the first self-bag drop trials at Heathrow in Terminal 1 and the testing of the Games Terminal for the departure of the athletes at the end of the 2012 Olympic Games.

After progressing into roles in Technical Instruction and Health & Safety for the Aircraft Service International Group (ASIG) for three years, Peter returned to Menzies Aviation with the acquisition of ASIG in 2017 and has since worked alongside the UK Teams to promote and drive the apprenticeship levy across the business and is now responsible for the wider L&D strategy. Peter has also chaired the Ground Handling Specialist Interest Group for the Aviation Industry Skills Board for the past 2 years.

Peter says:

“It is a privilege to step up to the role as Chair of the AISB which presents me with the opportunity to not only represent ground handling employers that support the airlines and airports across the UK but to lead the AISB and its wider membership through and beyond the Covid pandemic.

The board has great collaborative power to drive the skills agenda and ensure that the sector has the right skills in place beyond Covid to support not only our own organisations but customers, supply chains and the wider economy.

With the right blended mix of qualifications and standards in place we will support the sector as it rebuilds and reduce the impact of any skills gaps. Within the rebuild we must also keep in mind the environment and the impact that our roles have on our planet and ensure that the framework of standards includes learnings around green issues that affect us all.”

Sandra adds:

“We’d also like to say a huge thank you to Karen Hewitt for her invaluable guidance and commitment in leading the AISB for the past three years, in which time employers around the board have collaborated to develop six fit for purpose apprenticeship standards that form progressive career pathways, incorporating the knowledge, skills and behaviours employers have defined for today’s industry.”

Find out more about the work of the Aviation Industry Skills Board here.