Together with David Lindley, Chairman of the Aerospace TPN, I represented the TPN at the Farnborough International Air Show 2016, Futures Day on 15 July 2016. Futures Day has been designed by the ADS (Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space) organisation to give groups of young people aged 11 – 21 a chance to find out about the exciting career opportunities available in the dynamic sectors of Aerospace and Defence. Throughout the day, groups from schools, universities and youth associations visited the Innovation Zone where they were able to experience the aerospace technology of the future and meet with academic institutions.
A steady stream of celebrities and officials also visited the Zone during the day, including the Secretary of State for Defence, Commandant Air Cadets, the Red Arrow pilots and recently returned to Earth astronaut Major Tim Peake.
This was the first time that the TPN had been involved in Futures Day and David and myself engaged with young people to talk about the range of aerospace opportunities available, give advice and review CVs alongside the Royal Aeronautical Society and other organisations dedicated to inspiring and advising young people, such as ‘Inspiring Futures’ and the ‘Engineering Development Trust’.
We also provided advice for those interested in professional engineering institutions. The sort of support that the IET could provide at university and throughout a career in engineering was explained, as were the advantages offered by professional registration. A comprehensive range of IET and more general engineering literature was handed out.
From mine and David’s perspective, it was a long and tiring day but very satisfying. Futures Day provided a unique opportunity to influence young people towards a career in aerospace and the IET Aerospace Network was very grateful to ADS for giving it this unique opportunity to take part. It is hoped that the TPN will be able to assist in a similar way at future Farnborough Air Shows.
Ray Smith – Aerospace TPN Vice Chairman