High-flyer heads to number 10

Citation

(2002), "High-flyer heads to number 10", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 74 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2002.12774bab.055

High-flyer heads to number 10

Keywords: Aerospace industry, Engineering, Education

A Kingston University engineering graduate who helped pilot a programme sending aeronautical students soaring through their studies has rubbed shoulders with UK's Prime Minister Tony Blair. Mandeep Jarnail – one of the first students in the country to complete the Graduate Apprenticeship Scheme – was invited to Downing Street for an event organised by the Department for Education and Skills to celebrate outstanding achievement.

The 23 year old from Coventry got involved in the first stage of the scheme while studying Aerospace Engineering at Kingston. He spent six-week stints at Surrey-based Britax Aircraft Interiors, playing a major role in developing a new seating design now patented by the company. After finishing his degree earlier this year, Mandeep promptly landed a job back at Britax, where he is now putting the tips he picked up as a graduate apprentice into practice.

One of a handful of guests chosen to attend the Excellence in Higher Education event hosted by Mr Blair and his wife, Cherie, Mandeep said he had never expected to be invited to make a VIP visit to Downing Street. "I didn't end up getting a chance to talk to the Prime Minister himself, but did manage to speak briefly to Mrs Blair. It was an amazing experience going to Number 10 and having my hard work and the University's involvement in the Graduate Apprenticeship Scheme recognised at Government level," he said.

Mandeep believes the project has definitely given him a head start in his career. "Taking part was one of the highlights of my time at Kingston and gave me a realistic taste of what to expect in the workplace," he said. A new intake of young engineers is now queuing up to register for the venture, which has been adopted by 12 other higher education institutions throughout the country.

Head of the School of Engineering Professor Andrew Self said the University had just received 85,000 in Government funding to continue the scheme for student engineers and develop a similar training system for construction undergraduates. "Kingston University is continuing to lead the way in developing high-quality programmes to equip students with the industry skills that form an essential part of a modern-day education," Professor Self said.