Dedicated to investing in our future workforce, when approached by the school to be involved in their Enterprise week, AirTanker responded with an automatic and resounding yes! By providing the next generation with the opportunity to learn, understand and experience aviation, we hope to inspire future career options within the aviation industry.
AirTanker SHE & Export Control Manager, started the day with excitement by arranging the assembly chairs into an aircraft seating plan, including wings and engines, to give the pupils a full airline experience. He said:
“It was a privilege to go out and engage with the children of Queens C of E Academy and talk about what we do, how we do it and why we are here. It was a fantastic day and turned out better than we could have imagined, based on the questions and interaction we received from all 240+ exceptionally well-mannered pupils. We look forward to encouraging the next group of children to dream big.”
AirTanker Cabin Crew, gave the children a practical insight into her role and responsibilities. With passports and boarding passes in hand, the children were given an opportunity to follow Chelsea and complete a safety check with her in preparation for their “flight”, later fluently demonstrated by the children live with ITV.
AirTanker’s Fleet Engineering Compliance department talked to the students about the role and responsibilities of aircraft maintenance engineers. They also gave a presentation on the basic theory of aerodynamics, after which the children were asked to make paper aeroplanes to put the theory in motion and visually see the effects of lift and thrust. Ken Berry said:
“It was so refreshing to talk to children that were willing and open to hearing and learning about aviation. The children were an absolute credit to the school and its ethos – for me the most important thing to get across to the children, building on the school’s ethos to dream big, was that they can be and do anything they want. It was a really enjoyable day, so much so I think I enjoyed it more than the children.”
With National Women in Engineering Day recently celebrated [23rd June 2017], this visit not only hoped to inspire young children and promote the career paths available in the aviation industry, but raise awareness of the amazing careers in engineering and technical roles available to both men and women alike.
Queens C of E Academy Enterprise Week was created to inspire the children to raise funds for their minibus appeal. ITV presenter, Des, attended and reported on the visit as part of ITV’s ‘School Stories’ series. The school invited over 20 visitors to join in and talk to the children about their trades and career journey’s. Julie Richter, Queens C of E Academy, said:
“Our busiest day by far was when AirTanker staff joined us and opened the world of aviation and engineering to our children. The children were immediately engaged with the activities as they “boarded flight QA – 2017” and were welcomed aboard by the crew. An incredible day raising aspirations and funds and we thank Airtanker staff for supporting our Enterprise Week and for going the extra 126 miles.”
Associated videos:
http://www.itv.com/news/central/2017-06-27/des-pays-a-visit-to-nuneaton-for-another-school-story/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8mw9LjxhYQ&t=8s