Students at a Kent college training to be flight attendants have become some of the first in the county to get a feel of what it's really like to be working on an aircraft.

A mock passenger plane has been installed at MidKent college in Maidstone, and the £10,000 equipment has been used for the first time this week.

The hub at MidKent College is one of only two in Kent for training cabin crew. And the experience is exactly like the real thing - complete with club lounge, in-flight snacks and even duty free!

But those boarding a flight for Charles de Gaulle Airport should not hold their breath in the hope of a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower or a browse around Paris's flea markets.

The college's mock plane is used to train hopefuls on an 11-week City & Guilds cabin crew course.

Trainee attendant Catherine Roberts, 17, from Ashford, said the cabin gives a good insight of what the job entails.

“I’ve wanted to be a flight attendant for as long as I can remember, so I love being able to practice and learn,” she added.

The college had invested in the mock plane to give its students a leg-up in the aviation world.

Diane Payne, one of the course leaders, said: “The airline industry is notoriously hard to break into. Thousands apply for limited jobs and people are lucky to get to interview stage.

“The cabin allows students to experience the space and get used to being in that environment. We’re brutally honest and work to improve their manners, posture and appearance. It’s all about providing excellent customer service.”

The diploma, now in its fourth year, is recognised by various companies which the college has formed close links with, including British Airways, Virgin and easyJet.

Five graduates have already secured jobs with these four, while another ex-student now works for Emirates.

James Brook, 18, passed last year and got a job with easyJet.

The teenager, from Grove Green, said: “The course helped me prepare for the interview stage. It gave me an advantage as I knew what to expect and what the recruiters expected.”

The course will be extended to 36 weeks in 2014 and already has around 30 people signed up.

• For information visit www.midkent.ac.uk