MP helps youngsters’ careers in air industry take off

MP Laurence Robertson helped launch students’ careers by bringing them together with aerospace giants and other prospective employers.
He hosted a manufacturing and engineering day at Gloucestershire Launchpad vocational college on Tewkesbury Business Park.
His aim was to give both the industries a lift and to get youngsters’ careers off the ground.
“I thought let’s get lots of companies and kids together and fire them up and show them what exciting prospects there are in the industries,” said Mr Robertson.

More than 30 companies, ranging from global to local, and teenagers from seven county schools and colleges packed into Launchpad.
Launchpad is a training centre, which helps teenagers aged 14 upwards learn skills and crafts, including building, plumbing, engineering, hairdressing and cookery. It also offers adult and business courses and evening classes.

Mr Robertson said vocational training and apprenticeships with companies provided an exciting alternative to studying at university.
And he is no stranger to manufacturing. He was in textiles before he became an MP.
He said: “I am saddened by the number of job losses in the manufacturing industry. Engineering and manufacturing is very important for the prosperity of this area.”
Mr Robertson said some young people may be put off because they thought the jobs were just about getting dirty.
“These days, there are many highly technical and exciting career opportunities. You can travel to different places and companies,” he said.

Companies exhibiting at the event included local firms Messier Dowty, GE Aviation, G4S Technology and Trelleborg Sealing Solutions.
Boeing’s communications director Nick West said: “To be successful we need the young people here in schools and universities with drive, ingenuity and flare. They are the lifeblood of the industry.”
One Messier Dowty apprentice had no hesitation in recommending that path in favour of university.
Luke Talbot, 20, from Hempstead, Gloucester, told the audience: “I took the entrance exam and was offered a job. It was the best thing that ever happened to me – the best decision I ever made.
“My friends at university are envious that I have work experience, money and will get exactly the same qualifications as them.”

Launchpad Partnership Director James Leathem-Pugh was pleased with the turn-out and enthusiasm for the event. “We’ve got lots of companies and lots of kids interested in careers in engineering. Companies are giving their time, coming here and showing how exciting engineering is.”

Launchpad is a partnership with Gloucestershire College and Tewkesbury, Cleeve, Campden and Winchcombe schools.
To find out more about Launchpad, pop in and have a tour of the workshops and lecture rooms at the centre in International Drive, Tewkesbury Business Park, ring 01684 851020, email enquiries@gloucestershirelaunchpad.ac.uk or visit
www.gloucestershirelaunchpad.ac.uk.