Earlier in July, some of the Aerospace TPN volunteers linked up with colleagues in the IET Swindon Local Network who host a stand each year at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford. In addition to the IET volunteers there was also support on the stand from a number of partner organisations i.e. Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL), The British Gliding Association, @Bristol Science Museum, Hybrid Air Vehicles (Airlander), Aquila (Bird Flight Simulator) and the STEM Ambassador Program.
The IET stand was the biggest and best that has so far been provided at the tattoo. There were many “hands-on” activities for all ranges of visitors including the @Bristol experiments, electric circuits and torch building not forgetting both of the flight simulators. In addition to this they also provided a significant number of students, teachers, parents and youth organisations, members and non members with important support and guidance on a range of topics, including careers advice, STEM teaching, training and activities materials, membership/professional registration.
Due to the hard work and professional presentation of the team they were rewarded with a visit to the stand on Friday by members of the Red Arrows and the Royal visitor to RIAT this year, Prince Richard, The Duke of Gloucester.
Its estimated that around 5,000 visitors were attracted to the stand throughout the three days of the show and there were over 50 volunteers manning the stand throughout the show.
RIAT next year will be held on 13-15 July 2018 and Robert McLaughlin the Schools Liaison Officer for the Swindon Network is already looking to increase the IET's footfall at next year's event which will celebrate 100 years of the RAF.
The Aerospace Network would like to extend their thanks to the Swindon Network for the annual invitation to participate on the IET stand and look forward to 2018.
Content provided by Robert McLaughlin, Schools Liaison Officer, IET Swindon Network