College builds links with leading aerospace group Marshall

Two engineering students from Macclesfield College were chosen to participate in a prestigious industry programme run by leading aerospace company Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group in Cambridge.

Ella Crews and Agata Kempiak, who are both in the middle of a two-year BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Aerospace Engineering course at the College, were accepted onto the week-long ‘Insight into Aerospace’ course during the summer. The programme is part of collaboration between the College and Marshall of Cambridge as it aims to offer its learners exemplary training for careers in the aerospace industry.

Whilst on the Insight programme the students learnt about the history of flight, visited the hangars, took part in classroom activities and attended talks about key aspects of the industry from aerospace experts. The programme complements the high quality training that the students are already undertaking as part of their studies on the BTEC course at Macclesfield College and helps to build their future career skills.

Agata, 17 said: “It was really interesting to meet other girls on the programme who told us how they got involved with Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group and where they are now. They gave us an insight into what career path they’ve chosen and all the options available to those starting out in the industry. It was an amazing opportunity and I learnt a lot by seeing how everything works together.”

Macclesfield College’s European Centre of Aerospace Training which houses a fully functional BAE Jetstream 31 aircraft is unique to the area. The partnership with Marshall of Cambridge is part of the College’s strategic vision to deliver high quality standard vocational training that individuals need to succeed in the aerospace industry.

Ian Peart, general manager of Marshall AeroAcademy recently paid a visit to Macclesfield College to view its aerospace training facility and meet with the students. Ian commented: “What’s really evident is the passion of the whole staff, which I can see in the students as well. What Macclesfield College is doing is actually putting real life scenarios into education which is so important.”

Martin Wright, lead governor at Macclesfield College for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), added: “Marshall of Cambridge is one of the world’s leading companies in aerospace maintenance and repair, and our relationship with the firm is a reflection of the College’s commitment to delivering excellence to our students. The aerospace facility at Macclesfield College is unique in the region and offers students the platform to develop an exciting career this growing sector.”