Member Article

Aerospace cadets are reaching for the stars

High-flying students have been given a passport to rewarding careers thanks to a North East engineering business.

Antonia Fawcett and Ryan Wenn, who are both 19, have been awarded aerospace cadetships from the Gus Robinson Foundation.

The £500 bursary recognises their achievements while studying on the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Aeronautic Engineering at Hartlepool College of Further Education.

And the sky is now the limit for Antonia and Ryan, who both hope to pursue careers in engineering.

Ryan, from the Dyke House area of Hartlepool, said: “I have always been interested in aircraft and space engineering, so this is the ideal course for me. I just find it fascinating to take mathematical problems and transform them to real life engineering and mechanical situations.

“I really want to go on to study aircraft or spacecraft design at university so this is a great boost – the only way is up.”

Antonia, from the Bishop Cuthbert area of the town, added: “I hope to do an engineering apprenticeship, as I have always loved anything practical. Winning the cadetship will hopefully help my chances of starting a great career in engineering.”

The Gus Robinson Foundation was launched by the Hartlepool-based construction company Gus Robinson Developments (GRD) to support young people on the pathway to successful careers. Cadetships and scholarships are awarded across several categories in partnership with Hartlepool College including Apprentice of the Year and Sporting Achievement.

But the Aerospace Cadetship is of particular interest to the company’s chairman Dan Robinson, who spent many years as a fighter pilot in both the RAF and US Air Force.

Dan said: “I am absolutely delighted we were able to award the cadetships to Antonia and Ryan, who have shown true dedication and commitment and have performed consistently well while studying at Hartlepool College.

“Engineering skills are the absolute bedrock of our economic recovery because we need a nation of knowledgeable and qualified people who can drive innovation. And of course, aerospace engineering is all about mankind’s quest for knowledge through further and deeper exploration into space.”

Darren Hankey, Principal of Hartlepool College of Further Education, added: “Gus Robinson Developments has supported the College for almost 40 years, through apprenticeships, mentoring and now though the Foundation. It’s a great way to recognise the achievement of our students and to encourage them on to bigger and better things.

“Engineering skills are very important to this region to drive economic growth through manufacturing and innovation. We are delighted that we can deliver such a successful and prominent aeronautical engineering programme here in Hartlepool.”

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