After spending two decades balancing work with raising her four children, Leanne was ready for a new challenge. With a lifelong interest in aviation, she joined the Flightpath to Employment Skills Bootcamp, delivered by Saxon Air, in January 2026. The course gave her the opportunity to explore the aviation industry, gain practical experience and discover career paths she had never previously considered.
Finding a new direction
For 20 years, Leanne worked in various roles across the care sector, including foster care, residential children’s care, home care and respite care. With family commitments taking priority, she often worked evenings, weekends and nights to fit around her children.
As her children grew older and became more independent, Leanne began to consider what she wanted from her next career.“
I wanted to get into something that I enjoy. If I was going to find a new job (again), it had to be something that was going to keep me interested, give me a new challenge and be different to the care sector.”
Having been interested in aviation since childhood, Leanne decided to explore opportunities in the industry. She had previously applied for a role at Saxon Air but was unsuccessful. However, in December 2025, she was invited to join its Flightpath to Employment Skills Bootcamp, giving her a new opportunity to turn her interest into a potential career.
Leanne approached 2026 with a fresh mindset, making it her “yes year” and committing to trying things she might previously have shied away from. With no previous aviation or technical experience, she joined the bootcamp in January, ready to learn something completely new.
Developing skills and discovering the aviation industry
The Flightpath to Employment Bootcamp is a Level 2 and Level 3 programme designed to help people develop the core skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in aviation and the wider transport and logistics sector. Delivered by Saxon Air, the programme combines industry insight, practical activities and employability skills to prepare participants for new career opportunities.
For Leanne, the varied programme offered the chance to experience the aviation industry first-hand. With topics ranging from aircraft maintenance, security and first aid to flight training, advanced air mobility and interview skills, each week introduced something new.
“The course was really varied, with a new topic each week. The instructors kept things interesting and exciting with different locations, topics and activities.”
One of the highlights was visiting an airfield in Old Buckenham, where participants had the opportunity to remove the wings from a once-operational aircraft. This hands-on experience provided an insight into aircraft mechanics and the work involved in keeping aircraft operational. The group also had the opportunity to fly drones and use flight simulators, bringing their learning to life.
Although Leanne had initially expected to prefer office-based work, the practical elements of the course proved particularly enjoyable.
“My favourite parts of the course were the more hands-on weeks, which surprised me. I always thought I’d prefer more office-based work, but getting to work on an actual aircraft was exciting, and learning of all the roles within the aviation industry was a real eye-opener.”
The course also introduced Leanne to some unexpected aspects of the industry, from seeing a beekeeper collecting honey from thousands of bees outside the terminal building to discovering an electric aircraft in the hangar.
Beyond the technical skills and industry knowledge, the bootcamp gave Leanne the opportunity to learn alongside people from a range of backgrounds and age groups. From young people starting their careers to former military personnel and those returning to employment, participants supported one another throughout the programme. Despite their different experiences and ambitions, the group worked together, and everyone who started the course completed it.
From Skills Bootcamp to a new career
Following the successful completion of the bootcamp in March 2026, Leanne received an email inviting her to apply for a position at Saxon Air. After successfully interviewing, she was offered a role in the company's Outreach and Training Department.
“The course has been a huge success for me. I never thought I’d be working doing something so different, but it’s given me so much confidence in my own ability.”
The experience has helped Leanne recognise her own potential and the opportunities that can come from stepping outside her comfort zone.
"I had a real determination to succeed, and it confirmed my decision that being open and willing to try new things can lead to great opportunities – this has been life-changing for me.”
Looking ahead
Having progressed from a Skills Bootcamp participant to securing employment with Saxon Air, Leanne is now putting her experience to use in her new role. She is also helping to prepare for the next bootcamp, where she hopes to use her own experience to support future participants.
Leanne’s journey highlights how Skills Bootcamps can help people explore new industries, develop practical skills and build the confidence to take their next career step. With no previous technical experience, her willingness to embrace a new challenge has helped her turn a lifelong interest in aviation into an exciting new career.
