The space industry in the UK is a small but growing sector - highly specialist and demanding of good technical skills, with opportunities for FE to engage.
The NEF masterclass held at the Marshall AeroAcademy on 23 May included an update on the highly collaborative approach by key employers in the aviation sector, such as FlyBe and Virgin Atlantic, in developing joint working on the skills sets that are fundamental and necessary to the industry. This popular event attracted delegates from across the UK from Devon to Newcastle lecturers in engineering, aviation, electronics and physics.
Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group is the United Kingdom’s leading independent aerospace company and is renowned and respected worldwide for its quality of service, engineering excellence, flexibility and reliability.
The expert speakers on their specialist areas of aviation engineering at Marshall and offered case studies on the design, manufacture and technologies for cockpit upgrades as part of aircraft renovation; the extensive use of composites and their manufacture; and non-destructive evaluation techniques including inspection and testing.
A tour of the Academy included a brief history of Marshall ADG and the future of the WING project: the development of land allocated for housing owned by Marshalls near Cambridge to create a new sustainable community. A walk through the working hangers of Marshall seeing the C-130s and other aircraft available of various nations in various states of maintenance, including a presentation on the long term testing of the complete wing and fuselage in “21 Hanger”, their dedicated test department.
Delegates commented on the superb presentations and many indicated they would be using materials from the event in their teaching.
“Very interesting and informative. The organisation was outstanding. The presenters and all the staff were fantastic. The best event I have attended.” Philip Arnold, Northampton College
“Excellent and the content was enriching. The presentations were very clear, technically illuminating and academically strengthening. I found the content on renovating old aircraft most exciting.“ Daniel Jehovah-Nissi, Bromley College
“Very much liked the presentation on composites and the uses. Some good points to add to my teaching. Hopefully I can increase course content on composites in future.” David Potter, Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College
“Excellent! The presentations were fabulous and the tour was great.” Hameed Okyere, Gloucestershire College
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