University of Exeter joins Flybe to host Future Engineers event

Now in its fifth year, Future Engineers is jointly organised by Flybe, Europe’s largest independent regional airline, the University of Exeter, Exeter College, the Royal Navy and the Fleet Air Arm Museum. Students taking part in the event divided their day between Flybe's Training Academy, the New Walker engineering hangar at Exeter International Airport and the University's Streatham Campus. 

The combined initiative highlights the opportunities that engineering offers young people. It is designed to give students from years 9-11 (aged 14–16 years) the opportunity to get up-close to aircraft and their various components. The initiative inspires the students with hands-on practical learning experiences and encourages them to consider an engineering career.

Students visiting the University of Exeter discovered more about the science behind aeronautics and aviation and enjoyed a taste of the range of engineering studies available. They undertook activities in the University’s engineering laboratories and experienced a viewing in the 3D visualisation suite. 

Dr Karl Devincenzi, Outreach Manager at Exeter University says: “I am delighted to have welcomed over 200 students from 20 schools across the South West on to our campus for Future Engineers. The event, in collaboration with our partners at Flybe, provides a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how choosing to study for an engineering qualification can lead to a very exciting future in a wide range of different industries. I hope that those attending were both informed and inspired by the event and continue their interests in this field.”

A joint publication produced by Flybe Training Academy, the Exeter University and Exeter College, which outlines the various career options offered in engineering by the respective parties, was distributed to students and teachers attending the event. 

Mr Dave Clemens from Dawlish Community College said: “An awesome insight into aviation and engineering - truly inspirational for the students. A strongly recommended event for those students considering engineering as a career experiencing the first class facilities that Flybe and The University of Exeter have to offer”.

Harry Ward, year 10 Engineering student at Dawlish Community College, said: “This is an excellent opportunity. It has given me a ‘buzz’ to work hard and consider Flybe or Exeter Uni after I leave Dawlish Community College”. 

The visit to Flybe’s state-of-the-art engineering hangar allowed students to meet engineers at work, view the airline’s Apprentice Workshops and see Fleet Air Arm displays from the Royal Navy. During their time at Flybe, students were tested on their ability to construct under-carriages from paper and model aircraft from wood. They tested the robustness of their designs against one another as they competed to win one of two coveted Flybe Engineering 2013 trophies, designed and constructed by Flybe engineers in the hangar workshops. 

Jacqui Hepburn, Director of the Flybe Training Academy, said: “Flybe understands the importance of attracting and retaining a skilled and qualified workforce and is committed to supporting young people, especially those from our local region.”

Exeter College Assistant Principal, Iain Hatt, said: “Engineering has, and always will, play a pivotal role in shaping the local and global economy and the College recognises the challenges to educate more students in this key subject area. The Future Engineers event is just one of the ways we want to ensure that young students are inspired to consider engineering as an exciting career path. We have recently achieved STEM assured status for our quality of Science, Maths and Engineering provision. This, together with our investment in state of the art facilities at our new technology centre and valued industry partnerships, ensure we provide outstanding teaching, learning and training opportunities to the engineers of the future.”