A Foundation Apprenticeship placement with Fife Council’s Economic Development team ( InvestFife) has soared to new heights thanks to the generosity of local business Flightplan Aviation, operators of Fife Airport.
Julia, a Business Skills Foundation Apprentice from Balwearie High School studying at Fife College, joined the Council over the summer to gain practical experience in economic development, communications, and marketing. Arriving with a strong interest in tourism, event management, and airline management, Julia was keen to learn how local businesses operate and contribute to Fife’s economy.
As part of her placement, Julia visited Fife Airport, operated by FlightPlan Aviation, where owners Kate and Jim Watt of FlightPlan Aviation gave her a behind-the-scenes look at how the airport is run as a business.
Building on that experience, FlightPlan Aviation generously offered Julia a unique opportunity to take to the skies. On Friday 10 October, she joined owner Jim Watt for a 45-minute flight over the Fife coastline, enjoying spectacular views and even taking the controls to experience flying the aircraft herself. Julia was accompanied on her flight by Economic Adviser, Lynn Lloyd. This experience would not have been possible without the valuable support of Alasdair Busby from Business Gateway Fife.
Jim Watt, owner of FlightPlan Aviation, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Julia to Fife Airport and to share our passion for aviation with her. Young people like Julia are the future, and we are always keen to help inspire the next generation. Giving her the chance to see first-hand how an airport operates, and then to experience the thrill of flying, was a real pleasure for us.”
Julia said:
“This was an unforgettable opportunity, and I’m so grateful to everyone who supported me during my apprenticeship. The experience has been inspiring and will stay with me for life.”
Having successfully completed her Foundation Apprenticeship with Fife College, Julia has now progressed onto Edinburgh Napier University to study International Festival and Events Management with Marketing.
Foundation Apprenticeships provide senior phase pupils in Scotland with real-world work experience alongside their academic studies. For businesses, they are an opportunity to nurture fresh talent, bring in new ideas, and contribute to developing the future workforce.
Dot Smith, Enterprise & Business Development Manager, Fife Council’s Economic Development Team, said:
“Julia’s journey highlights the power of Foundation Apprenticeships in connecting young people with local businesses. Through our Culture of Enterprise Programme, our aim is to strengthen links between academia and business, inspiring students while helping employers shape and support the workforce of the future. We are incredibly grateful to Kate and Jim at Flightplan Aviation, and to all our partners, for their generosity and commitment to supporting young people in Fife.”
Fife Council is encouraging more local businesses to get involved in inspiring future talent. Through its Meet the Business Programme, companies can open their doors to young people, helping them understand career paths, explore different sectors, and see first-hand the opportunities available in Fife.
