ATC Lasham, the expanding UK aircraft maintenance organisation headquartered in Hampshire, is introducing five more engineering apprentices to its workforce. "We have 15 apprentices at Lasham currently," says ceo Nicolas Cook "and we want to do more to encourage young people to explore a career in engineering. At Lasham, our youngsters can do this and be in a terrific countryside environment." ATC Lasham is also expanding its apprenticeship scheme to include its London Southend Airport facility with the offer of an initial four places. With the acquisition of the Southend facility in 2003, ATC Lasham gained approval on the Boeing 727, 737 and 757 series. Since then ATC Lasham has invested in and gained approval on the Airbus A320 series aircraft at Southend and signed a contract with Aer Lingus for seven aircraft. Both the London Southend and St Athan sites will be expanded as the business grows, adds Cook. The Lasham airfield facility, the largest in the group, employs some 270 people, with an overall 400 engineering and administration staff.