23rd May 2024
The Smallpeice Trust and Virgin Atlantic Foundation Join Forces for Aerospace Engineering Courses
The Smallpeice Trust is delighted to be working in partnership with the Virgin Atlantic Foundation for a second year to launch two innovative Aerospace Engineering courses. Set to take place later this year at Kingston University, these courses aim to empower the next generation of aviators - through hands-on experiences and immersive masterclasses.
The courses, tailored for students in Years 10 and 11, offer a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of aerospace engineering. Participants will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that will challenge their knowledge while fostering practical skills vital for success in the aerospace industry.
"The Smallpeice Trust is delighted to be with the Virgin Atlantic Foundation again to deliver two exceptional courses. Through our partnership, we're proud to inspire the next generation of engineers through one-of-a-kind activities that students would not necessarily experience within the classroom” remarked Helen Cuthill, Chief Executive Officer at The Smallpeice Trust.
"As an education charity committed to empowering the next generation of innovators, these fantastic courses promise to offer transformative learning experiences in aerospace engineering, and we look forward to welcoming our students this summer onto the courses."
Both courses will include a variety of activities, including access to Kingston University’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel facilities and flight simulator. Students will explore the fundamental principles of aerodynamics through interactive challenges, including the chance to design, build and test their own model aircraft - with guidance from Virgin Atlantic volunteers.
"We are passionate at Virgin Atlantic about our engagement in STEM activities to inspire the engineers of the future, working with Small Piece and Kingston University provides the perfect platform for us to achieve this. said Ian McDonald Head of Fleet Technical Management at Virgin Atlantic. "The engineering testing facilities at Kingston are excellent and it is great to see all the enthusiasm from the students to learn and ask great questions."
The residential course (open to Year 11) will offer an immersive university experience. Participants will stay in university accommodation for the duration of the course and will engage in evening social activities. The non-residential option (open to Year 10) aims to accommodate more local students. As part of the mission to widen participation, The Smallpeice Trust will offer 10% of available course places as fully funded.
Find out more about our residential Aerospace Engineering course here.