Building on having successfully hosted last year’s event, Flybe and the University of Exeter will again be the centre of attention for the aviation-themed Future Engineers’ event on Thursday 23rd September when they bring together 200 teenagers from 20 schools across the region as they become aeronautical engineers for the day.

Future Engineers’ is this year jointly organised by Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, the University of Exeter, Exeter College and the Royal Navy, and students taking part will divide their day between Flybe’s Engineering Headquarters in the New Walker Hangar at Exeter International Airport and the University’s Streatham Campus.

The combined drive to highlight the opportunities open to young people within engineering was the original brainchild of Stephen Payne, QM2 and the Carnival Corporation architect. It has been designed to give students aged 14-17 the opportunity to get up-close to aircraft and their various components and inspire them with hands-on practical learning experiences in encouraging them to consider an engineering career.

The visit to Flybe’s state-of-the-art engineering hangar will allow students to meet engineers at work, view the airline’s Central Workshops and see Fleet Air Arm displays from the Royal Navy that will enable them to witness first-hand engineering in action and its varied career applications. During their time in the Hangar, students will be tested on their ability to identify various aircraft components and battle it out to win Flybe’s Future Engineers’ trophy that has been made by Flybe engineers in the hangar workshops.

Andrew Strong, Flybe’s Chief Operating Officer, says: “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. We are looking forward to once again showcasing the apprenticeship opportunities we can to offer enthusiastic and talented young people in this exciting field of work.”

Students visiting the University of Exeter will discover more about the science behind aeronautics and aviation, and enjoy a taste of the range of engineering studies available. Using the University’s 3D visualisation suite, they’ll also see how propellers and wings can be designed, prototyped and then tested in wind tunnels and flow visualisation channels – and then have the chance to test out their own models ‘to destruction’!

Professor Ken Evans, Head of the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at the University of Exeter, comments: “Events like this show that engineering isn’t just about maths, mending and maintenance – it’s a fascinating and complex subject that can lead to a very wide range of exciting careers. We’re committed to encouraging young people to consider a future in engineering, and hopefully this event will inspire the students’ imaginations in considering potential study and career paths in the subject.”

A Careers’ Fair, organised by the host organisations, will provide students with hands-on information about the various engineering opportunities available.

Exeter College Assistant Principal, Rob Bosworth, adds: “Engineering has, and always will, play a pivotal role in shaping the local and global economy. As technology continues to advance at a rapid rate, it is a subject which never fails to excite those who work in the industry. Exeter College has recently created a new Aerospace division of Engineering and continues to work closely with Flybe and the University of Exeter to inspire the next generation of engineers.”

Mr Strong concludes: “The overall aim of Future Engineers’ is to inspire young people and encourage them to see engineering as an attractive career option, particularly within the aviation sector. It offers solid, well-paid career progression to sought-after engineering graduates. We are all looking forward to inspiring their imagination and their future studies – and to sending their engineering careers soaring.”