Apprentice scheme supports local air museum

Citation

(2007), "Apprentice scheme supports local air museum", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 79 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2007.12779dab.045

Apprentice scheme supports local air museum

Apprentice scheme supports local air museum

Coventry-based Dunlop Aerospace Braking Systems are bringing local aviation history back to life this week by sending a team of apprentices to restore exhibits at the Midland Air Museum.

Four apprentices from the Meggitt Group Company's highly acclaimed training course are spending their time working on a number of exhibits including a wheel and brake from an old BAC 1-11 aircraft.

The museum, which is famous for its Sir Frank Whittle Centre and which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, is an independent self-funding educational charity which relies on volunteers and support from local companies to maintain and build on its collection of over 50 aircraft and artefacts.

“The Midland Air Museum plays an important role in the area, not only as a family attraction but to remind visitors of local engineering triumphs” said Steve McCarthy, Learning and Development Officer, Dunlop Aerospace Braking Systems. “Dunlop's history in Coventry spans almost 100 years and, by exhibiting our company's history and products, we hope that more of today's youngsters will be encouraged to consider engineering as a career.”

Barry James, Chairman of Trustees for the Midland Air Museum, added: “We are very pleased to have a relationship with such a long established and successful local aerospace company.”

The apprentices will restore exhibits and exhibition areas that remind our visitors, including thousands that come from overseas every year, of the area's industrial background.

“Since, we rely on volunteers to maintain the museum, the involvement of Dunlop Aerospace Braking Systems and its apprentices is of significant value to us.”