AN AIRCRAFT apprentice at RAF Brize Norton has become the first person in the country to complete a new qualification.

Brook Bloomfield, 18, this month passed the new aviation ground operative standard training with distinction at the West Oxfordshire air base.

The teenager achieved his 'life ambition' when he became a Level 2 aviation ground operative apprentice at public service provider Serco in June 2017.

After almost 18 months of practical experience with the company's ramp services team, he is now a fully-qualified employee at the RAF station.

Mr Bloomfield, who lives in Carterton, was delighted with his achievement and revealed he has loved his time in the role so far.

He said: "I’ve wanted to work in aviation since I was old enough to talk, it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.

"It’s my life ambition, so when I saw this opportunity come up with Serco I jumped at the chance.

"With this being the first time the new apprenticeship standard has been delivered we have had to navigate our way through the new requirements.

"But I love this job, it ticks all of my boxes and I’m so proud to be where I am now.”

The apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with educational consultant Highfield Assessment, saw Mr Bloomfield work alongside more than 40 people at the air base.

His role at RAF Brize Norton includes working to ensure the efficient and effective arrival, turnaround and departure of aircraft.

Day-to-day duties are completed with a focus on safety and security, in compliance with aviation regulations.

Airfield services manager Mark Cridland was responsible for delivering the apprenticeship, alongside two ramp trainees.

Mr Cridland revealed his pride at seeing the apprentice complete the qualification and urged others to follow in Mr Bloomfield's footsteps.

He said: “This has been an exceedingly challenging yet rewarding project.

"My Training Supervisors and Brook should be proud of what they have achieved.

"Between them, they have set an exceedingly high standard for those that follow, to replicate.”

The air base is the largest in the UK and is the main Air Point of Embarkation (APOE) for deploying UK troops overseas.

It is home to air transport, air-to-air refuelling and military parachuting teams.

Serco has delivered a range of services on behalf of the Ministry of Defence at the RAF station for more than 20 years.

The company operates in six sectors of public service provision: health, transport, justice, immigration, defence, and citizens services.