As we continue to celebrate National Aviation Week we hear from Jamie Thomas, Contract Recruitment Team Leader on his career journey so far, and what he enjoys most about working in aviation.
How long have you been at JMC Aviation, and what has your journey looked like so far?
This year marks my 10th anniversary with JMC Aviation, a milestone that reflects not only my own journey but also the strength and culture of the company. I began my career here in 2015 as a Trainee with no prior experience in recruitment. Since then, with the continuous support of management and colleagues, I’ve had the opportunity to grow into various roles including Recruitment Consultant, Onsite Co-ordinator at Flybe, Fixed Price Consultant, Senior Consultant, and now Team Lead of the Contract Division at our head office in Exeter, UK.
My time at JMC Aviation has been incredibly rewarding. The supportive, family-oriented environment and the consistent encouragement from all areas of the business have played a key role in my development. I’m fortunate to have a dedicated and hardworking team that report into me, which makes my role both enjoyable and fulfilling.
What do you find most exciting about working in the industry?
Aviation has always been a field of interest for me. I’ve been fortunate to gain firsthand exposure to aircraft at various stages of production and maintenance, providing valuable insight into the roles and responsibilities of the professionals we recruit.
Working in the contract division is both dynamic and fast-paced, no two days are the same. The constantly changing environment keeps the team engaged, agile, and focused, making the work both challenging and rewarding!
What do you think has changed the industry the most?
From a recruitment and skills perspective, the available talent pool has significantly decreased since COVID-19 and Brexit. Many engineers have transitioned to other industries or moved into permanent roles. However, this shift presents a notable advantage for candidates who remain open to contracting and are flexible with location, particularly Licensed Engineers, as there is now a wide range of opportunities available to them.
What would you say to someone considering a role in aviation?
We’re always happy to discuss what we look for in a CV, as well as any current opportunities we have available. Our contract team is well-equipped to support candidates who are new to the aviation industry and will do everything possible to help you secure a role.
Our team can also assist with obtaining the necessary certifications, such as Human Factors (HF), Fuel Tank Safety (FTS), and EWIS through our convenient e-learning platform.
The pool of qualified aviation candidates is relatively small, so welcoming new talent not only strengthens our network at JMC Aviation but also creates valuable opportunities for individuals entering the industry.
If you could go on a once in a lifetime trip anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?
I visited Las Vegas back in 2020 and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, so I’d definitely consider returning. However, my family and I are particularly drawn to destinations with plenty of sunshine and clear blue seas. Ideally, we’d love to spend an extended period -perhaps a few months in the Caribbean. The goal would be to relax and unwind, although with a four-year-old son, “relaxation” usually means chasing him along the beach for most of the day!