College’s air training link set for take-off
MACCLESFIELD College is building links to a leading firm that designs and builds military, commercial and business aircraft.
The college teaches Aerospace Engineering and boasts a purpose built hangar for a BAE Jetstream 31 aircraft.
Many of its students have gone on to have successful careers in the industry.
But now the college has set its sights on forging links with Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group after two of its engineering students, Ella Crews and Agata Kempiak, were chosen to participate in an industry programme run by the firm based in Cambridge.
Ella and Kempiak, who are both in the middle of a two-year BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, were accepted onto the week- long ‘Insight into Aerospace’ course where they learnt about the history of flight, visited the hangars, took part in classroom activities and attended talks about key aspects of the industry from aerospace experts.
Agata, 17 said: “It was really interesting to meet other girls on the programme who told us how they got involved with Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group and where they are now.
“They gave us an insight into what career path they’ve chosen and all the options available to those starting out in the industry. It was an amazing opportunity and I learnt a lot by seeing how everything works together.”
The programme is part of collaboration between the college and Marshall to provide top class training for careers in the aerospace industry.
Ian Peart, general manager of Marshall AeroAcad- emy, recently paid a visit to the college to view its aerospace training facility and meet with the students.
Ian said: “What’s really evident is the passion of the whole staff, which I can see in the students as well. What Macclesfield College is doing is actually putting real life scenarios into education which is so important.”
Martin Wright, governor responsible for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), added: “Marshall of Cambridge is one of the world’s leading companies in aerospace maintenance and repair, and our relationship with the firm is a reflection of the college’s commit- ment to delivering excellence to our students.
“The aerospace facility at Macclesfield College is unique in the region and offers students the platform to develop an exciting career this growing sector.”