Aerospace students soar through pilot project

Citation

(2001), "Aerospace students soar through pilot project", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 73 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2001.12773aab.023

Aerospace students soar through pilot project

Aerospace students soar through pilot project

Keywords: Kingston University, Engineering, Apprenticeship, Aerospace industry

Kingston University informs us that two of its undergraduates have become the first engineering students in the UK to complete a programme aimed at bridging the gap between education and industry. Mandeep Jamail, 21, and Jasbir Rana, 23, have spent the past year putting their textbook knowledge to the test after being chosen to take part in the pilot of a new Graduate Apprenticeship Scheme.

The University first agreed to put the concept through its paces after an approach from the Engineering and Marine Training Authority (EMTA). Mandeep and Jasbir, both studying Aerospace Engineering at Roehampton Vale, subsequently spent six-week stints at Britax Aircraft Interior Systems in Camberley. They have been quick to award their on-the-job education top marks, praising the programme for giving them a realistic view of the attributes and attitude needed to get ahead in the workplace.

Starting on the shopfloor, Mandeep, originally from Coventry, and Jasbir, from Canterbury, gained an in-depth understanding of the firm's operations. They even played a major part in developing a design which could soon make passengers' journeys through the skies more comfortable.

Although unable to disclose exact details about the product while a patent application was in the pipeline, they told us that the experience had opened their eyes to the importance of linking innovation with the practicalities of manufacturing processes. "One of the best outcomes is that we're now able to head into our final year with far more confidence, knowing the expectations companies will have of us when we graduate", Jasbir said.

EMTA business development manager George Wilder believed that the scheme would put students on the right route to becoming ideal employees. "There is a definite need for work-based learning to be integrated as much as possible with degree learning and our experience with Kingston has really highlighted the benefits", he explained to us. "Graduate apprentices had to get to grips with problem solving, communication, project management, research and teamwork – all essentials in any job", he added.

Senior lecturer Rod Bromfield said engineering bosses had been concerned about the mismatch between the abilities of young people emerging from the education system and what was actually needed in the workplace for some time. "The scheme will prove the perfect way to counter that problem and is bound to enhance our students' prospects", he said.

As well as being armed with plenty of new skills, Mandeep and Jasbir have received another reward for all their extra effort. Britax has announced that it will sponsor them through the last stage of their studies.

Details available from: Kingston University, Tel: +44 (0) 20 8547 2000; Fax: +44 (0) 20 8547 7980.