SmartSTEMs partnered with Connected Places Catapult on the Connected Airports: Glasgow Future Skills project. This initiative aimed to excite young people about careers in Scotland’s aviation industry. Through interactive events, industry interaction, and the creation of educational resources, the project successfully connected students with potential career paths.
Engaging Students in Aviation
The program delivered a series of well-received events at Glasgow Kelvin College and Ayrshire College. Over 200 students, ranging from senior high school pupils (S5-6) to foundation apprentices and college students, participated in these events. Students learned about diverse aviation careers and had the chance to interact directly with industry professionals. Engaging lesson plans were also created for schools, sparking an interest in aviation amongst younger students.
Project Highlights
Lesson Plan Development: Two Scotland-specific lesson plans were created, one for primary schools and another for secondary schools. These resources aim to ignite a passion for aviation and related STEM fields.
College Events: Successful events held at Glasgow Kelvin College and Ayrshire College provided a platform for students to explore career options, ask questions during industry talks, and gain valuable insights from professionals.
Industry Engagement: Ten aviation partner companies participated in the project. They showcased exciting opportunities like modern apprenticeships, graduate apprenticeships, and entry-level roles. Students participated in Q&A sessions with industry experts, gaining valuable knowledge about career progression, future trends, and emerging technologies.
“Navigating Innovation” Challenge: A unique challenge titled “Navigating Innovation: Balancing Creativity and Compliance” was designed for each event. This activity focused on promoting creative problem-solving within aviation regulations, emphasising the importance of ethical decision-making. This activity was tailored towards students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) qualifications.
Measurable Impact
The project delivered significant benefits for students, colleges, and the aviation industry:
- Increased Awareness: Over 200 students gained exposure to the diverse and dynamic world of aviation careers.
- Industry Connections: Direct interaction with industry professionals provided students with invaluable career insights and the opportunity to build lasting connections.
- Collaboration and Sustainability: Both colleges expressed interest in future collaboration. Ayrshire College plans to rerun the event in January 2025, while Kelvin College explores joint ventures with West College for future aviation events. The project’s success has also established connections with organisations like BA, Loganair, and Spirit Aerosystems, paving the way for their participation in future events.
- Educational Resources: The created lesson plans offer valuable teaching tools for Scottish educators, enriching aviation education in schools.
Location Snapshot
The project funding from Connected Places Catapult enabled SmartSTEMs to deliver these events to students from various schools across East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, South Ayrshire, and North Ayrshire.
Looking Ahead: A Thriving Aviation Industry
This project successfully ignited a passion for aviation careers amongst young people. By creating valuable educational resources, increasing industry awareness amongst students, and establishing a foundation for continued collaboration with colleges and industry partners, the project has a lasting impact. SmartSTEMs remains committed to building upon this success and inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals.
Positive Feedback
Student feedback reflects the project’s success. One participant expressed their gratitude and newfound inspiration to pursue a career in aviation. This project is a prime example of SmartSTEMs’ dedication to connecting young people with exciting career opportunities and building a future generation of skilled professionals across all pillars of STEM.
