Staff and Students from the Aeronautical Engineering Course at the College visited Royal Air Force Cosford between the 23-24 of May this year. The primary aim of the visit was for the students to see what aeronautical training was available to them post completing their level 3 BTEC in Aeronautical Engineering. RAF Cosford is one of the world’s leading training establishments in all facets of aircraft engineering, developing the skills required to look after and manage cutting the edge technologies involved in both the civil and military aerospace industries. The students were able to take part in hands on development of their own skills, such as the design and build of simple hydraulic systems and fitting and securing components on simulated aircraft structures and aircraft gas turbine engines. In addition to the practical skills development the students experienced life in the RAF being accommodated overnight in barrack block rooms and being fed in the junior ranks messing facility. Also, the students took part in a simulated Government response to a natural disaster in another part of the world, playing the part of key members of the RAF team. Apart from touring the aircraft engineering workshops and encountering several aircraft types currently in service with the RAF, the students visited the RAF Aircraft Museum at Cosford seeing first-hand how aircraft had developed over the last 100 years and how historically relevant aircraft were being restored to pristine condition before going on display in the museum. All of the students thought the visit was extremely worthwhile.

Josh, one of the students said,

“If I can say I’ve taken something away from the trip, I’d have to say it’s what life within the RAF can be like. Whilst we were shown around the workplaces and aircraft bays we all seemed to have an idea of what they would already be like, but the opportunity to talk to non-officer personal made the biggest difference as I felt I had learnt what life would be like if I did chose to join the RAF. Therefore, whilst looking round the facilities was enjoyable, and I learnt a lot while doing so, the key part I took away was what life for myself as an engineer in the RAF would be like.”