Summer school students get into aviation engineering

Over the summer period more than 500 students attending the Turnpoint Summer Work Experience programme had a chance for hands on activities with 2Excel Engineering and the Lasham Gliding Society and Gliding Heritage Centre, at Lasham Airfield in Hampshire.

The “engineering away days” included classroom and practical sessions where students learned about the principles of flight and aviation engineering.

With 2Excel, this gave students an insight into the practical elements of working in an aviation setting at an MRO (Maintenance and Repair Organisation) and a taste of both the theory and the practical side of a career in this sector of the industry, complete with a tour of the facility.

Lasham Gliding Society and Gliding Heritage Centre showed the students how gliders are maintained and they were also able to take part in an exercise to rig a glider and see up close what types of materials are used.

Andy Perkins, CEO of Turnpoint, said: “We have been running these summer programmes for 10 years now and once again we were we made incredibly welcome. All the students gained valuable insight into this industry as a career choice.

“The enthusiasm on display during the programme was boundless and it was great to see how the students tackled the tasks and demonstrated teamwork, collaboration and leadership skills that can be developed for the next generation of aviation engineers.

“To see the human side of aviation was also inspiring and you could quickly see how a career in aviation appeals to a broad range of young people from all backgrounds.  This time around 30 percent of the group was female which is inspiring to other young women who may have thought this wasn’t the place for them.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to 2Excel Engineering, and to the Lasham Gliding Society and Gliding Heritage Centre for making this possible.”

Umar Khan, Pilot and STEM Instructor, who took part in the programme said: “I can honestly say this course has given me the best days of my working career to date.

“Being mentored by those who are near my own age and who are already working towards completing their apprenticeships gave me such an insight into what to expect and the types of activities you might undertake day-to-day.

“Being able to see the aircraft up close was amazing; you can’t fail to be motivated.”

See Wing-Law, Training Manager at 2Excel Aviation, said: “We know young people are the future of aviation engineering and it was our pleasure to host the groups this summer.

“Practical experience brings this sector to life for those looking to plan a career and programmes such as the excellent Turnpoint Summer Work Experience show that this is a growing and vibrant industry.”

Jordan Bridge, Deputy Chief Flying Instructor at Lasham Gliding Society, said: “We’re delighted to have been hosting these events on site at Lasham Airfield over the Summer. Students have had a real opportunity to engage with aviation first hand throughout the various activities during the day.

“We hope the inspiration they gain will help them seriously consider an exciting career in the aviation industry.”