From classroom to hangar: first KLM cleared for departure

The official launch of the very first KLM class. In collaboration with the ROC of Amsterdam, KLM is welcoming sixteen motivated second-year students from the Aviation Technology program into an innovative and accelerated learning track. Upon successful completion, a career at KLM awaits them. With this initiative, KLM is actively investing in the technicians of the future.

The students were carefully selected through an application process and form an ambitious group that has consciously chosen a career in aviation technology. In this program, they combine the regular vocational curriculum with additional courses aimed at obtaining so-called “parts” – essential certifications for the role of ground engineer.

This program represents a major investment in the future of KLM and the Dutch aviation sector. For quite some time, we have seen a growing demand for technicians within the industry. With the first KLM class, we are not only training young, motivated talent, but also ensuring they become familiar from day one with our organization, our way of working, and our high quality standards. I am therefore extremely proud that, together with the ROC of Amsterdam, we are taking this important step.

Mathieu Essenberg, EVP Engineering & Maintenance at KLM 

During the three-year program, the students will already obtain 7 of the 13 required parts, including aviation legislation and electrical engineering. As a result, the internal training track to become a ground engineer is significantly shortened: from 5 years to just 3. To make this possible, students receive extra support from ROC, including intensive lessons in subjects such as mathematics and physics. In addition, they regularly attend classes on-site at KLM, creating a strong link between theory and practice.