A plane-obsessed Sidcup teenager turned taking photos of planes at the local airport to a job as an aircraft engineer.

Tom Svenson, 19, had ridden his motorbike to Biggin Hill airport to take some photos in March this year when he was spotted by the managing director of AirLingua, Yola Foister.

A student at London South East Colleges’ Bromley Campus where he just completed his Level 3 Electrical Engineering Diploma, Tom was invited on a tour of the airport.

After spending the entire tour asking how to best get a foot into the industry, his tenacity paid off as Tom was introduced to Falcon Flying Services, who went on to offer him work experience.

The MD of Falcon was so impressed with Tom’s passion and enthusiasm that he has now offered him a full time position as a trainee aircraft engineer.

Shonu Bamrah, MD of Falcon Flying Group, said: “We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic talent and Tom’s interest and passion for the industry really shone through.

“He is a brilliant asset to our team here and is set for a very successful career in the aviation industry.”

Tom said: “This job really is a dream come true for me. I have always been fascinated by aviation as it is without doubt the most interesting and diverse modes of transport.

“My ambition is to one day work for one of the big airlines as an aircraft engineer. I am so grateful to everyone who has supported me at Falcon and of course, the lovely pilot who spotted me outside the airport that day.

“I would urge people to follow their career dreams as anything is possible if you are determined.”