This summer I have been rather busy but one of the highlights has been the aerospace engineering residential at Kingston University with The Smallpeice Trust and Virgin Atlantic. Anyone that knows me knows my passion for aerospace and my future aviation career goals so this was a dream to have this opportunity!
Application and Full Bursary
It seems like months ago that the latest newsletter from The Smallpeice Trust came through into our email inboxes. As soon as I saw this opportunity it was a must do to try and get on the course. I have previously attended one of their virtual courses in partnership with the RAF before for Humanitrian Engineering and really enjoyed that during one of the covid lockdowns.
We sent off my CV with an accompanying email explaining my interest, and applied for a bursary too being a young carer! After a couple of weeks of waiting impatiently I was accepted which was amazing, then the wait for August to come around started though.
Day before – Sandown Park
To avoid an early start and the rush hour traffic we drove up to Esher the day before to the Sandown Racecourse and stayed in the Sandown Racecourse Lodge. I had a lovely twin room along with my mother and it meant we didnt have to rush around or worry about getting to the university on time the following morning.
That evening we wandered into town and had a really lovely supper at a local pub and also had a walk around the racecourse, exploring the stables, pre parade collecting ring and even the track itself.
Day One at Kingston University
- Arrive Roehampton Campus, Register & Welcome
- Virgin Atlantic Introductions
- Lab Tour
- Sustainability Challenge
- Lunch
- Introduction to Design, Design Activity & Testing
- Film Night in Halls
Day Two at Kingston University
Our second day was especially busy with a range of different activites and an opportunity to use the university facilities. We started the day though with a talk and presentation from one of the senior Virgin Atlantic pilots. Today I was also interviewed by the Smallpeice Trust team about my experience on the course and my goals for the future.
- Virgin Atlantic Pilots Talk
- Wind Tunnel Data Analysis
- Glider Tester
- Flight Dynamics
- Lunch
- Flight Sim
- Wind Tunnel Testing
- Quiz Night & Chill Time with Dominos Pizza
Day Three at Kingston University
A strange day as it was a my 16th birthday and the first time I have been away for my birthday but mother sent a present and some cards for the morning and I will be home this evening!
- Virgin Atlantic Engineer Careers Talk
- Design & Make Project Two then Testing
- Lunch
- Prepare Presentations and Presentations
- Virgin Atlantic Inspirational Talk
- Closing Address & Home
My Experience
One of the best parts of this opportunity was being able to spend time with the Virgin Atlantic team, especially the pilot and engineers. It was also exciting to be offered a future work experience placement with them and even the chance of a training scholarship as well. It was a fairly intense few days especially with travelling up on the Monday and travelling back late on the Thursday which also happened to be my birthday, but I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone with a genuine interest and passion in engineering or aviation.
Staying in Halls
I wasnt really sure what to expect accomodation wise. I have lots of experience going away with cadets, scouts or school where we normally stay in activity centres, huge tents or MOD bases but this was completely new to me. I was however plesantly surprised to be allocated my own private room with a small en suite shower room, a small double bed and a study area as well as storage to myself. There was also a shared kitchen and lounge area with several other students.
The food was quite good too with burgers and chips the first evening and an amazing breakfast the first morning, plus Dominos PIzza on the final night!
Who are Virgin Atlantic & the Virgin Atlantic Foundation
Virgin Atlantic Foundation work with schools and charities to support STEM initiatives with grants, sponsorships and investments to empower the next generation and provide education or build career skills.
Virgin Atlantic have had a presence during the course and provided speakers ranging from pilots to engineers.
Who are The Smallpeice Trust
The Smallpeice Trust works with a wide range of national and international companies, the Armed Forces, Institutions, Livery Companies, educational and other charities, and universities. Other Smallpeice partners include arm ltd, Babcock International Group, E.ON, Leonardo, HS2 Ltd, Jaguar Land Rover, Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Lockheed Martin, National Cyber Security Centre, National Grid, National Nuclear Laboratory, RAF, Shell, Siemens, Tomorrow’s Engineers and the UK Electronics Skills Foundation.
Their aim is to give young people access to engineering experiences and fuel their passion for engineering. They provide a range of virtual and residential events and courses across the UK for students aged 12 to 17. STEM topics include robotics, cyber security, aerospace, astrophysics and computing.
Discover more of my engineering and aerospace blogs as well as my CV to see my passion and experience in these areas.
