FLIGHTPATH CAREER - Royal Aeronautical Society
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CAREER
FLIGHTPATH
Your guide to opportunities and career development in aerospace and aviation
CONTENTS
150 YEARS AND
COUNTING
RAeS celebrations to support the
next generation of innovators
MISSION TO MARS
Space engineer Abbie Hutty on
making her dreams come true
CAREER TAKE-OFF
University and
apprenticeship pathways
HOW TO WEAR IT
Wearable technology for
aerospace applications
FROM THE GROUND UP
Airport career pathways EASTERN
ROTARY CLUB
RAF Engineering Officer
Squadron Leader Chris Shone
PROMISE
Interview with our cover star,
Captain Rola Hoteit of
ISSUE 4 Middle Eastern Airlines
Issue 4
Foreword: Contents
Careers with Altitude 4 Blue Sky Thinking
Did you know that the UK
6 150 Years and Counting
The Royal Aeronautical
aerospace is world number Society is 150 years old
Fasten your seatbelts for the fourth issue of Career Flightpath, the two and a great industry to in 2016 and will celebrate
careers advice and guidance magazine of the Royal Aeronautical Society. launch your career? Simon with outreach and careers
Whalley explains more. activities for all ages.
We are very excited about this issue which coincides with the 150th Take a look at what we
anniversary of our organisation in 2016. This publication forms part of our 10 Career Take-off have on offer.
Get started with our
extensive outreach and careers programme, which also includes STEM introduction to entry routes 14 Friends in High Places
initiatives, competitions, careers awareness events, careers advice and and pathways for key Apprenticeships are on the
recruitment fairs. Find out more in our special ‘150 years and counting careers in the aerospace rise. Two Higher apprentices
and aviation industry at Airbus UK tell us more
feature’ and how you can take part – there is something for all ages! including university and about their experiences
Once again we feature a wide range of career pathways in the apprenticeship options. to date.
aerospace and aviation industry with up-to-date information, new case
studies and in-depth features. Read our interviews with early career and
experienced professionals, including our cover star, one of the only female
airline captains in the Middle East, Rola Hoteit, as well as apprentices
at Airbus UK, the 2013 Woman Engineer of the Year Abbie Hutty and
RAF Squadron Leader Christopher Shone, to name a few. They provide a
wealth of tips and advice based on their career journeys to date and will
help you discover more about what employers are looking for.
16 18
In our technology feature, journalist and prolific tweeter Tim Robinson Horizon 2020 – Euro Vision Space Nation
looks at wearables which are transforming the industry in many ways, Looking to spread your wings? With Tim Peake’s trip to the
from the passenger experience to military flying. We also have several David Marshall summarises the International Space Station
European aerospace industry with the spotlight is set to shine
entry route features, looking at courses, commercial pilot training, a look at key hotspots. on the UK space industry.
foundation degrees and apprenticeships – the latter can offer not only We bring you the latest
vocational training and experience, but a full degree with the tuition fees industry outlook.
picked up by the employer! Finally our industry features include UK,
20 Mission to Mars 22 How to Wear It
Europe and Middle East perspectives as well as a look at the UK space Award-winning Airbus Space The latest aerospace
sector with lots of useful links throughout the magazine to help you and Defence graduate technology has substance
continue your careers journey. engineer Abbie Hutty talks to and style. Tim Robinson
Clare Walker about achieving reports.
We wish you a comfortable flight and you can travel with us her childhood dreams.
again with us by logging on to www.careersinaerospace.com and
www.aerosciety.com/careers 26 Triple AAA Rating – 28 Eastern promise
Middle East One of the only female
Famous for airports and airline captains in the
Rosalind Azouzi airlines, the Middle East’s Middle East, our cover star,
Head of Skills and Careers, Royal Aeronautical Society aerospace and space MEA’s Rola Hoteit, talks
industries are growing too. to Rosalind Azouzi about
rosalind.azouzi@aerosociety.com Keith Hayward and Rosalind reaching the skies.
Azouzi report.
30 Pilot Careers – 34 The Social (and
Contributors The Lowdown
Thomas Blowers answers
Professional) Network
Networking can be fun and
some Frequently Asked is essential to your career
Questions about commercial too. Stephanie Jones shows
pilot training and hears from how professional bodies can
two recently qualified pilots. help and talks to successful
networkers.
38 Foundations for 40 From the Ground Up
Success Airports are like mini cities
An alternative route which offering all kinds of careers.
Tim Robinson Clare Walker CRAeS Stephanie Jones combines vocational and Thomas Blowers investigates
Editor-in-chief of Private pilot, single-engine Stephanie Jones helps RAeS academic learning, Chris and interviews airport
AEROSPACE, the RAeS fixed and rotary wing licence members make the most of Moorey tells us about his engineer Russell Wide.
plus multi-rating, with a their membership and shares Foundation programme at
flagship monthly publication, Marshall Aerospace and
writer of RAeS Insight blog passion for aviation and her advice.
Defence Group.
and tweeter extraordinaire. diversity.
Follow Tim on @RAeSTimR 42 Please Mind the Gap 46 Rotary Club
Editor: Rosalind Azouzi The aerospace industry is This issue’s Final Approach
Contributing Editors: Lynn Beattie, Thomas Blowers, Rupinder Pamme, Annabel Hallam. working hard to attract and interview is with Squadron
Design: www.mightyagency.com retain under-represented Leader Christopher Shone,
Contributors: Thomas Blowers, Emma Bossom, Keith Hayward, Stephanie Jones, David Marshall, groups into the workforce. Royal Air Force Engineering
Tim Robinson, Clare Walker, Simon Whalley and Simon Levy (Advertising and Sales) Emma Bossom reports. Officer and his career highs
Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) No.4 Hamilton Place, London, W1J 7BQ, UK © 2015 to date.
E: careers@aerosociety.com T: +44 (0)20 7670 4300
Our thanks to advertisers and supporters which made this issue possible.
The content does not necessarily represent the opinion of the Council of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
@aerosociety i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook www.aerosociety.com / www.careersinaerospace.com ISSUE 4 3
INDUSTRY | UNITED KINGDOM
blue sky thinking
As one of the most valuable sectors to the UK economy and with a bright
outlook, policy expert Simon Whalley explains why aerospace and aviation
represent a great career investment.
A
erospace is one of the most vibrant, engineers design and develop complex products, systems
important and exciting sectors of and equipment all requiring highly specialised skills.
the UK economy. From designing, But if you thought the requirements for you to be
manufacturing and maintaining a maths and science whizz ruled you out, then have no
complex civil and defence aircraft and fear. There are also some of the best hands-on jobs in the
equipment to the management of large operations and world, building and maintaining the airframes or other
programmes, or flying across the world, a career in components which make up the aircraft. In the UK alone,
aerospace offers a truly global experience. all the wings for Airbus aircraft are produced in North
The aerospace sector is the number one aerospace Wales, landing gear for Airbus and the new Boeing 787
industry in Europe, second only to the US in the global are made by Messier-Dowty and Rolls-Royce design the
market. The sector is worth £24 billion to the national engines. Meanwhile, aircraft engineers can find themselves
economy, exports about 75 per cent of what it produces travelling the world maintaining, inspecting and servicing
and supports 250,000 jobs around the whole country. aircraft to high international safety standards.
Forecast demand for 27,000 new passenger aircraft, Operating and managing aircraft and the
40,000 commercial helicopters and 24,000 business infrastructure of air travel are equally important and
jets by the end of the next decade – not forgetting demanding. More and more people want to fly and
the burgeoning market for unmanned aerial vehicles – companies want to move goods around the world, fast.
provides the civil aerospace sector with a huge This has to be managed safely and efficiently and with
market opportunity. minimal environmental and social impact – seemingly
Whether producing wings for Airbus or control contradictory goals that must be carefully managed with
systems for Boeing, and engine and undercarriages for imagination and skill.
both, UK companies are global leaders. Aerospace firms Management of the most important and congested
also produce highly advanced defence equipment that blocks of air space in Europe, as well as guiding landing
enables UK Armed Forces to engage in military activity aircraft into some of the busiest airports in the world
alongside our allies. UK Space is also a major supplier offer similar important challenges. With predictions of
of telecommunications and other satellites that are a significant increase in air traffic over the next 15 years,
transforming how we live and do business, as well as and airport expansion plans a stronger possibility, air
exploring the Solar System. traffic management will become an even bigger challenge.
The UK Government recognises the value of the Additional runway capacity in the South East of
aerospace industry to the economy and broader society. England will, if approved, have significant implications
Consequently, ministers and industry are investing and benefits for the aerospace industry. Indeed, airport
The UK £2 billion to support aerospace research, development operation is another fantastic career path. Airports of
and innovation. different sizes are dotted all over the UK, helping to serve
aerospace In order to remain a leader in the fiercely competitive destinations in established markets like Europe and the
sector is the global marketplace and succeed in developing the UK, as well as providing the facilities that support airlines
number one technology and solutions for the future, firms will need to to open up new routes to key emerging markets, such
recruit the best and the brightest. As a whole generation Asia and South America – vital for growing UK business
aerospace
reaches retirement, it is even more important to entice and trade links.
industry more people into the industry, particularly young people, So, whether you are a school leaver interested in
in Europe, to avoid the creation of lasting skills shortages. With the an apprenticeship and technical training or a graduate
second only right education, skills and attitude, you could be just what seeking a fast-track to the top, and you are keen to explore
employers are looking for. some of these exciting opportunities at home or abroad,
to the US in UK aerospace has an incredible amount to offer then a career in aerospace could be just for you. The sky
the global people with a gift for Science, Engineering, Technology is certainly not the limit, it’s just the beginning!
market and Mathematics (STEM). Aeronautical or aerospace
4 CAREER FLIGHTPATH 2015
PREPARE YOUR
CAREER FOR
TAKE OFF!
Airbus Group is a global leader in
aeronautics, space and related services.
Our people work with passion and
determination – we do what we love every
day, working with talented people to
make the best products even better. Our
early career opportunities for internships,
apprenticeships and graduate schemes
offer an extraordinary chance to work with
us to make a difference – on the ground, in
the air and in space.
See the full picture at
www.jobs.airbusgroup.com
OUTREACH | TALENT PIPELINE
150 years and
counting
As the RAeS marks its 150th year, find out about some of the activities
we are doing to help the next 50 years of aerospace innovation.
2
016 is a very special number for the Royal space – these are questions which only today’s young
Aeronautical Society. Founded in 1866, people will answer. However the industry is far from
it signifies the 150th year of the Society’s complacent, and works tirelessly to attract a new
existence. Aviation buffs among you may generation of innovative thinkers.
find this surprising – the first powered flight With this in mind, the Society supports a number
by the Wright Brothers took place in 1903, nearly forty of programmes for all ages to help the next generation
years later – surely there was no need for an aviation develop an interest in aviation, science and engineering,
society before then? But, of course, achieving this and provides advice for those who have begun their
momentous milestone was the result of many years of aerospace journey.
humans striving to reach the skies.
From the conceptual drawings of Leonardo da
The next 50 years – attracting and
Vinci, to early balloon flights and the Sir George Cayley DESIGN CHALLENGE!
supporting young people Big aeroplanes, like the ones that fly you to Spain or America
for your holidays, take years to design and build! Aeronautical
glider, by 1866, a group of individuals realised it was
Engineers have to come up with a design that can fly fast and high
and can travel many thousands of miles without needing to stop
for fuel. They also have to think carefully about the shape of the COOL AERONAUTICS
wings, the type of engines, and the materials the aeroplane will be
There’s something for everyone!
time to help unite those supporting the efforts to achieve The Society’s Careers, Outreach and Skills team delivers
built from. At the same time, an aeroplane has to be comfortable
for the passengers!
Have a go at designing your own
aeroplane, just like an Aeronautical
powered flight. People brave enough to risk flying new a wide range of programmes aimed at all ages supported
Engineer!
Amy would love to see your ideas,
so send your completed designs to
contraptions, the engineering minds who strived to make by volunteers from across the Society’s rich network of
amy@aerosociety.com and you will
receive a mystery prize!
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
it happen, and the navigators who would shape the members. Here are a few examples. Amy’s Aviation
www.funkidslive.com/features/amys-aviation
Jobs in Aviation
airways of the skies, the RAeS founders represented the
www.careersinaerospace.com
Cool Aeronautics
www.aerosociety.com/coolaeronautics
Royal Aeronautical Society
diverse nature of talent required by the industry which is PRIMARY SCHOOLS
www.aerosociety.com
still reflected in the Society’s membership 150 years later
– today, a combination of aeronautical engineers, pilots, Cool Aeronautics 150
To find out more about jobs in aviation, the Amy’s Aviation
series or to attend a Cool Aeronautics event please contact:
E: careers@aerosociety.com
T: +44 (0) 207 670 4325/6
legal experts, aircraft maintenance engineers, cabin crew, First launched in 2007, Cool Aeronautics is the
www.aerosociety.com
airline executive and airport managers, as well as the next Royal Aeronautical Society’s primary school outreach
RAeS Cool Aeronautics booklet
generation of pioneers, students and apprentices. They programme that aims to introduce children to the
all share a passion for flight and continue to shape the fascinating world and people of flying, aerospace
Society’s past, present and future. engineering and space, and to engage with
While it is intriguing to look back on the rich aerospace-themed activities that are relevant to the
history of pioneers whose work has made air travel and current KS2 National Curriculum.
space exploration possible, a key focus of the RAeS The day's 'format' consists of a series of fun,
150th celebrations has been to look ahead to the next interactive morning talks delivered by aerospace and
50 years of innovation. There is still a long way to aviation professionals including airline and military pilots,
go – commercial airliners must continue to improve space engineers and aeronautical/aviation engineers.
their environmental credentials and space travel is in Sometimes the events feature drama performances that
its infancy. Quieter aircraft, biofuels, human missions bring back to life aviation stars from the past, such as
to Mars, enabling humans to survive long trips into Amy Johnson, Eugene Cernan and Svetlana Savitskaya.
CAREER FLIGHTPATH 2015
Afternoon activities include interactive workshops and youth groups, school groups and individual guests, has
personalised site tours. Children leave with a range of become an important fixture in the aerospace calendar,
goodies which they can then share with their parents, providing inspirational careers information and advice
siblings and friends. and a chance to hear from early careers and experienced
Venues have included London Stansted Airport professionals about career opportunities and their
Aerozone, University of the West of England, Coventry pathways in aerospace and aviation. Each year the event
University, Yorkshire Air Museum, Prestwick Airport, takes a different theme; recent years include, ‘Innovation,
a key focus of
RAF Museums in Hendon and Cosford, Atlantic Air our future, your future’, and, ‘Apprenticeships or the RAeS 150th
Venture, Shannon and the British Airways Community University?’. Key supporters include Raytheon UK. celebrations
Learning Centre, Heathrow, not forgetting our London has been to
HQ which boasts, “the poshest toilets in the world!”, Schools Build-a-Plane Challenge (SBAP)
according to one young participant (they are very nice!). The RAeS and Boeing UK, supported by the Light look ahead
Aircraft Association (LAA) launched an ambitious, to the next
Cool Aeronautics 150 innovative and exciting project to give young people in 50 years of
For the 2016 celebrations, our target is to reach 150 secondary schools hands-on experience of a real light
innovation
primary schools through the programme, both across aircraft build and the chance to fly in the aircraft once
the UK and overseas, with the support of Airbus Group. completed to airworthy standards. Six Rans SE6 Coyote
Visit the Society’s website for event updates throughout kits have been built by schools, and the sale of the first
the year! two aircraft in 2015 have shown that young people can
make a genuine product which appeals to its market. In
Amy’s Aviation with Fun Kids Radio addition, the aircraft have been used to inspire thousands
Amy’s Aviation is a radio and animated series produced of others about the possibilities of STEM in schools
in partnership with the family radio station, Fun Kids, through a number of public engagement activities at
whose target audience is 8-12 year-olds and their parents. air shows, major STEM exhibitions and more. One key
Two series are available to download for free on iTunes or highlight was seeing two aircraft fly at the prestigious
view on Youtube. Popular videos include How Propellers Farnborough International Air Show in 2014, a first for
Work; Delta Wings and Stealth Bombers; Paper Planes; school-built aircraft.
How Jet Engines Work; Airshows and Red Arrows. The
series has reached over 250,000 listeners and we welcome Falcon Initiative
teachers using the content in classrooms. For the sister project to SBAP, supported by Boeing UK,
10 schools were selected in 2015 to design and build their
SECONDARY SCHOOLS own flight simulator. Inspired by SBAP, school Ernesford
Grange Community Academy - who built their own
Ballantyne careers awareness event simulator as well as working on their Rans SE6 – the
The Ballantyne, aimed at 14-18 year-olds and open to programme offers young people the chance to put their
OUTREACH | TALENT PIPELINE
design and build skills into practice, bringing in elements
of science, computing, design & technology. The ONLINE AND PRINT RESOURCES
completed prototypes will also be showcased at air shows www.careersinaerospace.com
and events, and two will win funding to design full flight The Careers in Aerospace website provides information,
simulators after the prototype phase. advice and guidance (IAG) on aerospace, aviation
and defence career pathways and entry routes. It also
External partnerships contains valuable resources for job seekers
We also support external programmes for young including CV and
people including: Skills advice, company
● ADS Group which runs the and course listings,
UK Aerospace Youth Rocketry sample aptitude tests
Challenge (UKAYRoC) – a as well as information
national rocketry competition about competitions,
and Futures Day @ Farnborough scholarships, job news
International Air Show. and relevant events. Receiving
● Raytheon UK, developing the around 59,000 unique visitors each
Quadcopter Challenge for schools year, the website is a valuable resource
● Flying Start Challenge, a schools gliding challenge run by for individuals, teachers, lecturers, parents and careers
graduates and apprentices from aerospace companies in advisors alike.
the South West of England – Safran Messier-Buggati-
Dowty, Airbus, BAE Systems, GKN, MBDA, Career Flightpath magazine
Rolls-Royce and the Fleet Air Arm. Thank you for reading this magazine, we hope you are
enjoying it! Published every two years, issue 5 is due in
November 2017. A pdf of issues 3 and 4 also available
UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES
to download via links on the Aerosociety and Careers in
Career FLIGHTPATH LIVE and Careers in Aerospace websites.
Aerospace LIVE recruitment events
Secondary School Poster
The Spring and Autumn recruitment fairs bring together How many people does it take to fly you to Malaga?
the Society's close industry and educational partnerships Our free A2 schools poster highlights the huge number
with motivated individuals seeking a career in aerospace of roles and career opportunities that the aerospace
or aviation, and provide a unique opportunity for industry offers. We also have a free leaflet summarising
recruiters, training providers and individuals to meet key entry routes with case studies and useful websites.
at the only UK careers fairs dedicated to the aerospace
and aviation community. From aerospace design, Primary School Booklet
manufacture and aircraft maintenance, to flight training, Accompanying the Cool Aeronautics programme, as
commercial and airline/airport operations - and civil, well as containing basic information related to careers
military and space fields - the event is open to recruiters in flying, engineering and space, our children’s booklet
from all areas relevant to the Society's multidisciplinary contains a number of aviation themed activities suitable
footprint and offers a wonderful opportunity to meet for children currently in KS2.
like-minded job seekers. The events are free to visitors
and take place in March and November each year. External Events
On-campus Careers and CV Workshops Finally, we also take part in a number of external events
each year such as air shows, STEM exhibitions, trade
The Society offers FREE employability workshops
shows and careers advisor events to distribute careers
to universities and colleges for students seeking work
resources, run fun activities or provide careers advice
placements and employment. The workshops cover
and guidance. In 2015 we got through over 10,000 paper
advice on job search, networking, CV writing, the
planes alone!
importance of soft skills, online application questions
etc. and are followed by ‘speedy’ CV 1-2-1s for
attendees or, for younger audiences, an introduction Useful links and contacts
to the aerospace and/or aviation sectors and related www.careersinaerospace.com
career pathways. www.ukayroc.org.uk
1-2-1 Careers Guidance service www.flyingstartchallenge.co.uk
The Society also offers FREE 1-2-1 careers RAeS Careers and SBAP teams
appointments at our London HQ and by telephone for www.aerosociety.com/careers
those unable to travel to London. The service is available T: 020 7670 4326/5
to members and non-members but both options are by
E: careers@aerosociety.com
appointment only.
8 CAREER FLIGHTPATH 2015
Working as an Apprentice?
YOUNG MEMBERS Working
Join as anAeronautical
the Royal Apprentice?Society as an
YOUNG MEMBERS Join the Royal
Apprentice Aeronautical
Affiliate Society is
membership asnow
an
Apprentice
free! Affiliate membership is now
free!
Free digital access to AEROSPACE magazine
Free digital access to AEROSPACE magazine
Free attendance to over 400 lectures and events
Free attendance to over 400 lectures and events
locally and worldwide through our Branches
locally and worldwide through our Branches
Free 1-2-1 careers
Free 1-2-1 careers guidance
guidance andand advice
advice
Support
towardsprofessional
Support towards professional registration
registration
(EngTech, IEng and CEng) with Engineering
(EngTech, IEng and CEng) with Engineering Council Council
Get
involvedwith
Get involved withour
our Young
Young Persons’
Persons’ Network
Network
development level
development level
Access to
Access
toScholarship
Scholarship Schemes
Schemes suchsuch
as the
as the
Centennial Scholarship
Centennial Scholarship FundFund
Use of our internationally renowned National
Use of our internationally
Aerospace Library renowned National
Aerospace Library
Free places at RAeS Conferences (subject to
Free places at RAeS Conferences (subject to
availability)
availability)
Access to MyCareerPath tool to record and
Access to MyCareerPath
monitor your tool to record
Continuing Professional and
Development
monitor your Continuing Professional Development
(CPD) activities
(CPD) activities
To join email membership@aerosociety.com or visit our Apprentice Affiliate page at
www.aerosociety.com/whichmembership/apprentice and complete the online application form.
ENTRY ROUTES | OVERVIEW
Career Take-oFF
With so many internationally-renowned university courses, a strong tradition
in high-quality apprenticeship programmes, a record for safety and innovation,
and top-class flight training schools, the UK offers fantastic opportunities for
those seeking a career in aerospace or aviation.
W
hich route will you take? Rolls-Royce, Cobham, Thales, Lockheed Martin,
Apprenticeship or university? Messier-Buggati-Dowty and AgustaWestland, as well
Aerospace design or aircraft as with engineering consultancies such as Atkins and
maintenance? Flight deck, cabin Fraser Nash.
crew or business operations? The UK space industry is also growing, directly
With many factors to take into consideration, check in employing over 27,000 people and with varied career
for your careers journey with our insight into key entry opportunities such as mission ground control, satellite
routes into aerospace or aviation careers with advice and design and manufacture, space exploration vehicles,
tips along the way. instrumentation and software. Key employers include
SSTL, CGI, Inmarsat and Airbus Defence and Space.
Aerospace design and manufacture There are also hundreds of smaller aerospace firms
who are part of the OEMs’ supply chain and may recruit
The traditional route to opportunities in designing, graduates into direct entry roles which specialise in one
developing and testing aerospace products is to study particular field of engineering such as aerodynamics,
a degree in aeronautical engineering or related fields materials, structures, or certification. Some graduates
such as avionics, space, mechanical, also look to join the Maintenance, Repair and
systems or materials engineering. Overhaul (MRO) divisions of airlines, manufacturers
There are over 30 highly respected or independent MRO providers, usually in quality
aerospace/aeronautical engineering assurance, planning, or engineering management roles.
degrees in the UK, many of which Both British Airways Engineering and Virgin Atlantic
have been accredited by the Royal run excellent graduate schemes - although they may not
Aeronautical Society. recruit year on year - while airlines such as Monarch may
Following university, there are advertise positions for Flight Operations Engineers with
numerous graduate recruitment aerospace graduates in mind.
programmes offered by the large To access most engineering degrees you will need
aerospace manufacturers and to have A Levels or equivalent (such as Scottish Highers
equipment providers, or OEMs or BTEC Engineering) in Maths, Physics and another
(Original Equipment Manufacturers), subject. Some universities offer foundation programmes
such as Airbus, GKN Aerospace, for those without the prerequisite subjects to acquire the
underpinning knowledge needed for the degree.
MEng or BEng? Aerospace or
aeronautical?
The content of most UK aerospace and aeronautical
engineering degrees tends to be similar although you
may find some universities have particular specialisms
following their research links, such as composites,
aerodynamics or manufacturing management.
CAREER FLIGHTPATH 2015Some employers demand an MEng degree as the A good educational
integrated Master’s qualification provides the educational grounding in relevant
requirement for Chartered Engineering status. However, subjects, including
most also accept a BEng with separate MSc which you may Maths, Science and
prefer if you wish to specialise in a particular aeronautical Design & Technology, at
field at postgraduate level. Many employers may provide GCSE and/or A Level/
MSc study support, such as study time or even tuition fee equivalent standard,
contributions, to their staff entering with BEng. depending on which
apprenticeship level you enter, is essential. However,
Degree outcome competition for places is strong - over 2,000 visitors
attend the Airbus Open Day each year!
For industrial placement and graduate applications, in
addition to demonstrating academic ability (and for Aircraft engineering
many graduate schemes, a 2:1 degree outcome will be a
minimum requirement), having the right personal skills Aircraft maintenance with a Maintenance, Repair and
– such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving Overhaul (MRO) provider offers an alternative route
and initiative – is equally important; they will be tested which is particularly suited to those who like the idea
throughout the selection process. Work experience, extra- of working closely with aircraft in service, and who
curricular activities and volunteering can all support your are very practical and able to use specialist tools and
personal development and enhance your employment work with materials to high levels of accuracy. Aircraft
chances. Therefore, throughout your studies engineers usually work towards acquiring
make the most of opportunities which come the appropriate EASA licence for their
your way. field – such as A, B1 or B2 – and work
Some employers also take A Level results for either an airline maintenance division,
and/or UCAS points into account, even independent MRO provider, or after-sales
for graduate roles, and may have tougher division of a manufacturer.
entrance requirements than university – if for many In MRO, the apprenticeship
you didn’t get the results planned ensure you graduate remains perhaps the most valued route
seek advice from a careers advisor for your schemes, a into the field; following a period of
job applications. extended in-house and/or college-
2:1 degree based workshop training to develop
outcome will tooling skills, apprentices will work
Manufacturing
apprenticeships
be a minimum alongside qualified engineers learning
requirement. ‘on the job’ with additional college
Aerospace OEMs, such as Airbus, and tailored training to acquire both
Messier-Buggati-Dowty, Rolls-Royce, BAE national vocational qualifications and the
Systems, have a strong tradition in offering high quality A Licence. Providers include Monarch Aircraft
apprenticeships making intricate, complex components Engineering, Virgin Atlantic, Flybe, British Airways
and systems, bring aerospace designs to life. Recent work and Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group.
on new ‘Trailblazer’ standards for apprenticeships across Again, there is high competition for apprenticeship
the sector is reinforcing the high standards of training places; Marshall ADG will typically receive over
and qualifications that they offer. 600 applications for 15-20 places. The RAF also
Many SMEs also offer apprenticeships and have been offers schemes for school-leavers and many RAF
involved in developing the new Trailblazer standards. technicians go in to civil aircraft maintenance after
Some aerospace ‘primes’ also ‘over train’ apprentices on their military career.
behalf of the SME firms in their supply chain. Some universities offer aircraft maintenance
Higher apprentices already study to degree level as part courses as an alternative route, working closely
of their apprenticeship and many Advanced apprentices with employers to give giving you the opportunity
go on to further study, supported by their employer. In to gain relevant, supervised experience. However,
March 2015 the UK Government’s announcement of new the academic route is a not a guaranteed fast-track
Degree Apprenticeships promised to go even further with into licensed engineering roles – gaining practical
the degree as an integral part of the apprenticeship, to be experience and excellent craft skills remain a must
‘co-designed’ by employers to make sure the content is – but alternative MRO roles such as maintenance
relevant for the skills industry is looking for, with aerospace planning and scheduling, quality assurance or
engineering one of the early adopters. The defence management, where there is potential for growth
industry also announced new Level 7 (postgraduate)
Systems Engineering apprenticeships in 2015.
@aerosociety i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook www.aerosociety.com / www.careersinaerospace.comas advanced technologies such HCAP have also developed a Flight Instructor
as composites, improved Apprenticeship route – recruiting and retaining dedicated
aircraft reliability and flight instructors is an essential part of the industry and
competition from new players this offers a fantastic career path.
increase market complexity.
Aircraft
Business and operations
Hand skills maintenance
development Many colleges and universities have introduced courses with a
in airport and airline operations and related fields
Maintenance,
If you take a university route of management. As with many vocationally-focused
with the aim of a hands-on programmes, these can work best for you if you have Repair and
engineering role, while studying, preserve and develop work experience in the same field - such as cabin crew, Overhaul
your hand skills not only through practical activities in your passenger services, ground handling or flight operations, (MRO)
modules but also via work experience in MRO or use your alongside your studies to help you get both the academic
leisure time to develop hand skills: you could volunteer on underpinning and practical experience to make you stand
provider
an aircraft restoration project, rebuild an ‘old banger’ car out in a competitive market where graduate programmes offers an
or motorbike or volunteer at a local flying club. Back at are scarcer than in other sectors. alternative
school, subjects like Design & Technology can really help Apprenticeship programmes are also increasing in route
acquire an early aptitude for working with tools. A strong these areas, particularly for industry-specific roles. In
grounding of Maths and Science for entry both on to 2015 new schemes including Airside Operations, Aviation which is
apprenticeships or university routes is also important. Ground Operator, Ground Specialist and Operations particularly
Manager were launched. Meanwhile, many airlines and suited to
Flight deck aerospace manufacturers offer Business Apprenticeships,
notably British Airways, BAE Systems and MBDA, which
those who
The long-term outlook for pilot recruitment, predicts also focus on the specific needs of these companies like the idea
a large shortfall of available pilots to meet airline which operate in complex markets. of working
needs. However, in recent years, with the exception closely with
of Aer Lingus and Cathay Pacific, the absence of Summary
airline-sponsored pilot training has persisted and most
aircraft in
commercial pilot trainees continue to self-fund, fully Aerospace and aviation are continually evolving and all service.
financing their training costs and choosing between taking aspects - from aerospace design, to maintenance and
the ‘integrated’ route or the ‘modular’ route. Many airlines, operations - depend on skilled and motivated people to
although not all, state a preference for integrated pilot bring the technology to life. There really is something for
training. However, this is a difficult option given huge everyone!
costs of around £80K, and the increasing requirement for More information, including comprehensive
early career pilots to also cover the type-rating from many descriptions of the key fields in aerospace and aviation,
airlines, so do seek impartial advice from organisations entry routes and qualification requirements, as well as
like the RAeS, BALPA or the Honourable Company of employer and course listings are available on the Careers
Air Pilots (HCAP). Our article on page 30-32 provides in Aerospace website. The Royal Aeronautical Society
more information also offers free and impartial careers advice, including a
Remember: all commercial pilots must obtain 1-2-1 service, and can help answer any questions you have
the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Class 1 Medical regarding training, job search, university, employment
Certificate to fly passengers and you should apply prior and apprenticeships applications as well as putting you in
to starting any training, to ensure you meet the medical touch with other organisations which can help.
criteria. Without it, your training will be for nothing.
Becoming a pilot through the RAF, Royal Navy or
Army Air Corps also avoids high training costs. The
selection criteria, particularly medical, are tougher and the More advice:
work means flying in difficult conditions, be they conflict www.careersinaerospace.com
zones, rescue or humanitarian missions, and there has RAeS Careers team:
been a decline in recruitment in recent years, but many T: + 44 (0) 20 7670 4326/5
military pilots go on to successful careers as airline pilots or E: careers@aerosociety.com
instructors, or into other exciting fields such as flight testing.
12 CAREER FLIGHTPATH 201515 JULY 2016
GET THEIR CAREERS OFF
TO A FLYING START IN
AEROSPACE & DEFENCE
Futures Day NOT TO BE MISSED…
15 July 2016 Careers fair
Futures Day at Farnborough International
Airshow 2016 has been designed to give groups
of young people aged 11 – 21 a chance to see Interactive area
the exciting career opportunities available in the
dynamic sectors of Aerospace and Defence. Demonstrations
Groups from schools, universities and youth
associations can experience the exciting Lectures
prospects available and be motivated in their
study of STEM subjects.
Flight simulator
The interactive, informative and engaging
programme enables them to see first-hand the
variety, innovation and expertise that makes a Awards presentations
career in these key sectors so rewarding.
RESERVE YOUR FREE TICKETS TODAY!
Contact Claire Parsons on 020 7091 4507 or email claire.parsons@adsgroup.org.uk
@aerosociety i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook.com www.aerosociety.com Issue 4 17ENTRY ROUTES | APPRENTICESHIPS
A Flying Start
A combination of university tuition fee increases and renewed Government support
and investment have raised the profile of apprenticeships in recent years. The
Government is looking at ways to increase funding support, and reach a target of
three million new apprenticeships by 2020. The aerospace sector provides high
quality schemes which are increasingly sought after. We talk to two Airbus UK
apprentices whose careers have recently launched and learn more about what their
apprenticeships entail.
Z
uzanna Wnekowska has just started her What did you feel Airbus was looking for?
undergraduate apprenticeship and is based at Definitely a dedication to learning, determination to
Airbus’ Filton site, near Bristol. She is currently succeed and a genuine interest in engineering. Many of the
enrolled on a two-year Foundation degree programme interview questions examined your behaviour in certain
which will be followed by a top-up year in the third year situations; you needed to show you were a responsible
to gain a full BEng (Hons) in Aerospace Engineering young adult, trustworthy and reliable, as well as positive
from the University of the West of England. and energetic.
Zuzanna, what did you do before the What is the first year like?
apprenticeship? In year one, we spend four days a week at Airbus’
I grew up in London and took A Levels in Physics, Maths specialist college workshop. For example, we have just
and Product Design and AS Chemistry. I’ve always been finished the composites unit and spent a lot of time
interested in engineering and product design and looked making things out of carbon fibre to very high standards.
for as much work experience as possible during half-term Our tutor has over 20 years’ experience in industry and
holidays, spending a week at Imperial College London the aim is to understand how the manufacturing processes
in the Physics Laboratory working on solar panels, and work to make us better designers. I have also been
another week at Transport for London working on a surprised about how artistic and creative the work has
project to cool the Central Line. I also went on loads of been. On Tuesdays we spend a whole day at university, Zuzanna Wnekowska
trips such as to museums to learn as much as I could. from 9am to 8pm to have a whole week’s worth of
lectures in one day. It’s very intense as the degree is
Had you always wanted to do an Apprenticeship? full-time but we really benefit as we are a small group, just
I visited and applied to several universities but by 10 apprentices and so receive almost one-to-one support
November 2014, I started having doubts and looked and advice.
at other possibilities. I searched for Rolls-Rolls, BAE
Systems and Airbus online and started looking at their Would you recommend this route?
apprenticeship programmes. They seemed to offer great Definitely! I would recommend anyone considering it
benefits and structure, and a degree, so I applied. at least applies for one. There are some people who
However, I had to be patient - I didn’t get an thought that I took this option because something
interview with Airbus until May 2015, and thought I went wrong with my A Levels but in fact many
would have to go to university; by then I had already managers and senior directors at Airbus are ex-
received an offer from Imperial College. However, after apprentices, and the workload shows it’s certainly not I think that
being offered the apprenticeship I accepted without for the unintelligent! I stood out
hesitation. My parents were also really pleased and not because
thought it was a much better option due to the three What advice do you have for applicants?
years’ work experience built in. I think that I stood out not because of my grades but
of my grades
because of my passion for product design and my work but because
How did you find the application process? experience. It showed I had been pro-active and wanted to of my passion
A lot is similar to applying to university. You need to get somewhere and that’s what employers are looking for. for product
write a personal statement, however, Airbus also asked Wherever you live, there will be some kind of engineering
specific questions and requested a CV and covering nearby you can try out. Look out for careers fairs design and
letter. The interview was like my university interviews, where you can meet companies and don’t be afraid to talk my work
but much harder! to people. experience.
14 CAREER FLIGHTPATH 2015Beth Shallish (front)
B
eth Shallish, who is in Year 3 of an Undergraduate be office-based, some on the shop floor, such as in
Apprenticeship at the Airbus Broughton site in Manufacturing Engineering.
North Wales, tells us about her pathway to date. In year three, you work with the employer to choose
a specific discipline which relates to your skills and the
Beth, can you describe your educational business needs and start to tailor your career path. I spent
background? nearly a year in Design and have recently joined the New
I am looking
I completed A Levels in Maths, Physics and Biology and Product Launch team where assembly programmes for our to develop
chose these subjects as I wanted to become an engineer. I new products are developed. Currently I am working on my project
applied for university courses in aeronautical engineering. ‘Stage 0’ of the A330neo which involves project managing management
During this time, Airbus, whose Broughton site is quite the different elements required to build the new aircraft –
local to my high school, came into the school to run a such as sourcing new jigs and equipment and looking into skills and
mini-engineering task. I spoke to some of the engineers the different assembly methods which will be used. work towards
and learnt about the Undergraduate Apprenticeship an MSc as
programme and decided to look further as it offered the Is it difficult to balance study and work
opportunity to acquire the same degree in aeronautical commitments?
my career
engineering as well as placements in the company. And it It is quite a lot of work, especially in year 3 when you have progresses.
was paid, with tuition fees also covered! to do your dissertation. On the other hand, mine is based
on my work placement which makes it a lot easier as I can
How did the application process work? apply the knowledge gained during the day.
I applied to the scheme using the same personal statement
I had written for my UCAS form and also completed What are your current career/training plans?
online application form questions. I was invited to When the apprenticeship is completed, I will be staying
the interview day which included a range of tasks – a in the A330neo launch team and seeing the first few
team-building task to test our problem-solving ability; an new builds through. I am looking to develop my project
individual interview with a personal presentation, and a management skills with further experience and training and
regular interview. Candidates also had to sit an exam which to work towards an MSc as my career progresses.
was based on the A Level syllabus for Maths and Physics.
It was a new experience as I had never done a team task What advice would you give a young person,
or long interview before, but I was successful and had parent or careers advisor regarding apprenticeship
no trouble in accepting the apprenticeship offer instead routes?
of going to university full-time. My parents were very Basically, I would definitely recommend applying! You get
supportive and thought it was the right decision. the same degree while enjoying even more benefits from
working in the business. The business experience also makes
What are the key skills you need for your the course more relevant and you can compare theory with
apprenticeship? practice, and all my tuition fees have been paid for by my
As well as academic ability, you need to be able to work in employer!
a team and be good at problem-solving; a lot of the time
on placement you are helping to help resolve problems. Have you any tips for those looking to apply for an
Communication is also important; at Airbus you work engineering apprenticeship?
with different people on different sites and with lots of You need to do the right subjects. For this scheme I needed
different nationalities. A Level Maths and Physics Level with 300 UCAS points and
BB minimum. Showing you can apply theory to problem-
How is the apprenticeship structured? solving is also important. I didn’t have any relevant work
During the apprenticeship, you spend one full day a week experience but had done a lot of volunteering at my local
at university and the rest in work. dance school and for a hospice, as well as the Duke of
In the first two years of the Airbus undergraduate Edinburgh award at school. I found these experiences really
apprenticeship you are rotated through a series of useful at interview – they provided me with lots of good
placements; I worked in design, quality, manufacturing examples of team work and communication skills outside
engineering and planning. Some of the work may school, giving me lots to talk about.
@aerosociety i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook www.aerosociety.com / www.careersinaerospace.com ISSUE 4 15INDUSTRY | EUROPE
Horizon 2020
EURO VISION
European aerospace offers a wealth of opportunities. David
Marshall, Past President of the RAeS and Past President of the
Council of European Aerospace Societies, reports.
I
t goes without saying that aerospace and all European Union countries have some activity,
aviation in operation have little recognition other notable states include Italy, Spain, Poland and
of natural or manmade frontiers. However Sweden.
over recent years the manufacturing Research and development expenditure remains
industries which create and support this very high approaching 20% of turnover and needing
capability have developed similar tendencies. the best new talent available in a wide variety
Almost no new aircraft or space vehicle is the of technical skills. Overall the outlook remains
product of one country or even continent alone – bright given the size of order books and the never
take a look at recent milestones such as the B-787, ending appetite for product improvements. The
A350, Eurofighter Typhoon and Joint Strike Fighter European Commission supports a very substantial
- and the major companies with skin in programme for aeronautical R&D developed by
the game operate on an international the Advisory Council for Aviation Research and
basis. But it is also true that this innovation in Europe. This organisation of all
complex web of cross-border the major stakeholders, such as Airbus,
operation use English as Finmeccanica, GKN Aerospace, MTU
the common language. So Engines, among others, has developed
if you are starting to try and a vision for Aviation in Europe out to 2050,
develop a career in this field from a including the Horizon 2020 programme and Clean
UK upbringing you already have a Skies.
precious advantage. Some universities, as part of the Pegasus
alliance, are already working with counterparts
World is your oyster in other European countries towards ensuring
there are common high quality courses, double
While it might be true to say that the world is your diplomas and helping their students with cross
oyster it is worth assessing European opportunities border internships.UK university members include
before thinking still further afield. Europe in both Bristol, Cranfield and Glasgow, to name a few.
civil aviation and space activities has deliberately
pooled its rich resources creating Airbus and the Student union
European Space Agency at the top of their supply
chains and first tier suppliers like Rolls-Royce and For some time students
GKN have done likewise with many cross-border themselves have been active Almost no
operations. in cross European new aircraft
Once-national airlines like British Airways are activity under the or space
now part of International groupings, in their case umbrella of EUROAVIA.
vehicle is the
International Airlines Group that also includes They have a lively website
Iberia, Vueling and most recently Aer Lingus. with a substantial use of product of
Success in the world market delivered almost social media, offering a one country
90 billion euros of turnover in civil aerospace great opportunity to share or even
products in 2013 supporting over 500,000 jobs across news and make contacts.
Europe. The principal locations for these have been As yet they lack a branch
continent
in the UK, France and Germany though almost in the UK which could alone.
16 CAREER FLIGHTPATH 2015be a golden opportunity for you and colleagues to fill USEFUL WEBSITES
this yawning gap!
Finally don’t forget the huge resource of Just as in the UK, there are trade associations and
knowledge and experience represented by the aerospace clusters around Europe with useful websites
to help you identify potential employers.
members of the RAeS. You can tap into this at
Branches all over the UK and in most of the main ASD-Europe
aerospace centres in Europe such as Toulouse, Paris, The European trade association for the aerospace,
Munich, Hamburg and Brussels. You can join the space and defence industry: www.asd-europe.org
RAeS as a student or apprentice affiliate member
ACARE
free of charge. Advisory Council for Aviation Research and Innovation
in Europe: www.acare4europe.com
Le singe est dans l’arbre PEGASUS
If you are already at University and now planning Universities working together across Europe:
next steps take a look at the websites of the key UK www.pegasus-europe.org
and European companies. Many have both a UK and Euroavia
European recruitment section which will explain the European student body: www.euroavia.eu
application process, often using online application
forms. Even if you begin your career at the UK site European Space Agency: www.esa.int
of a European manufacturer, you are likely to be European aircraft maintenance
offered placements at European sites as part of your
European Independent Maintenance Group:
graduate training, with support if your language www.eimg.eu/
skills require improvement. Note however, that there
and, European Aviation Maintenance Training Committee:
are many talented European students with excellent
www.eamtc.org
English and other European language skills as well
so competition is high, while for the hundreds of European airline groups
SMEs in Europe, local language knowledge will be European low fare airline association: www.elfaa.com
very important, so it might be worth getting in some Assocation of European airlines: www.aea.be
conversation classes! European Regions airline association: www.eraa.org
If you are still looking for further education there
are opportunities in Europe beyond the UK. For CEAS
example, TUDelft, a prestigious University in the Council of European Aerospace Societies:
Netherlands and member of PEGASUS, offers all its www.ceas.org
aerospace engineering courses in English and if you
are an EU citizen you would only pay 1,950 euros per France
year for tuition fees. There are increasing numbers A regional trade group for one of the key aerospace
of English-taught MSc programmes, such as at the clusters in South Western France, home to Airbus,
SupAero-IASE (Institut Supérieur de l’Aéronautique Dassault and SupAero: www.aerospace-valley.com
et de l’Espace) in Toulouse. The national trade association, also organisers of the Paris
However you do it some experience and Air Show: www.gifas.asso.fr
knowledge of the aerospace world beyond the UK
GERMANY
will be a positive advantage when you look for your
German Aerospace Industries Association:
first job or training course in today's aerospace and
www.bdli.de
aviation world.
Poland
South East Poland has a thriving aerospace community,
supported by Boeing, Pratt and Whitney, Honeywell
among others: www.dolinalotmicza.pl/en
Spain
As well as home to the RIBA Stirling Prize winning Madrid
Barajas airport, Toledo, Seville, Madrid are home to key
aerospace technologies including leading composite
design. http://english.tedae.org/
Italy
Italian maestros include Finmeccanica (owners of
AgustaWestland, Selex ES) and Piaggio Aerospace.
Italian Industries Federation for Aerospace Systems
& Defence: www.aiad.it/en/
A Typhoon FGR-4 (Copyright Eurofighter-Michael Nussbaum).Industry | Space
SPACE NATION
D
A major uring one of the most significant company in the world providing solutions for space
space breakthroughs of the 21st transportation, satellite systems and services.
contributor Century as the Philae lander Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), now part
to the UK touched down on comet 67 P on of Airbus Defence and Space, specialises in the design,
12 November 2014, the UK space manufacture and operation of high performance small
economy, a sector came out from the shadows as the significant satellites weighing less than 1,000KG. Beginning life as
new British contribution to the Rosetta mission by UK space a research department at the University of Surrey, SSTL
firms, engineers, scientists and universities hit the employs around 350 staff working on orbiting and
astronaut and public eye. interplanetary missions, satellite platforms, subsystems and
ambitious In fact, the UK has for many years been involved optical systems.
in major space programmes. Key strengths include London-based Inmarsat is a pioneer of mobile
targets, the satellite design and manufacture, instrumentation, satellite services whose work gained international status
UK’s space software and equipment and mission control. Rapidly in the wake of the MH370 airliner disappearance in
expanding, the industry has some ambitious growth March 2014. Avanti Communications, also based in
sector’s star targets too, offering fantastic career potential. London, sells satellite broadband services to telecoms
Today, the space sector employs an estimated companies.
is shining 27,000 people and is one the UK’s fastest growing In Glasgow, Clyde Space produces subsystems for
brighter sectors, contributing around £7.5bn a year to the small satellites and microspacecraft, including a range
economy. This success has made it one of the of CubeSat micro spacecraft and runs the world’s first
than ever Government’s priority investment sectors and an online Cubesta shop.
ambitious target has been set for the sector to employ Essex-based imaging sensor specialists E2V have
100,000 people by 2030, achieving a turnover of £40 provided space imaging solutions for space science,
billion. However, making this happen requires even ground astronomy and Earth observation vehicles in
greater numbers of talented people, from a variety over 150 space missions including NASA and ESA.
of disciplines such as physicists, mathematicians, Meanwhile, Reaction Engines, based in Oxfordshire,
mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing and have been developing reusable, unpiloted advanced
aerospace engineers, as well as those with skills in space transport and propulsion systems and are
business and project planning. This is rocket science soon aiming to double their workforce as the project
after all! development phase takes shape.
Furthermore, the industry’s star is set to shine Other large UK companies include Cobham-owned
even more brightly in the coming months as Major ERA Technology, a satellite communication specialist,
Tim Peake becomes the first British astronaut in over and CGI which produces secure communications
20 years. Tim’s trip to the International Space Station software for satellites and other space systems.
will be the culmination of a huge team of specialists Competition is also hotting up for the UK’s spaceport
showcasing even further British talent, hopefully – Scotland or Cornwall? Watch this space!
inspiring you to join this dynamic and exciting
industry of the future!
Heavenly creatures
The Airbus Defence and Space sites in Stevenage
and Portsmouth are part of the third-largest space
18 CAREER FLIGHTPATH 2015You can also read
