Ayrshire College students were given rare behind-the-scenes access to the world of military aviation in a visit to AirTanker secured by Central Ayrshire MP Alan Gemmell.
Students joined Alan at AirTanker’s operations at Prestwick on Friday (30 October), getting an insight into the people, technology and specialist skills behind the RAF’s Voyager aircraft fleet.
The visit came ahead of AirTanker’s return to Brize Norton.
The MP helped bring Ayrshire College and AirTanker together for the visit, reflecting his commitment to connecting young people with the industries helping shape Ayrshire’s future.
Gemmell said:
“After meeting the brilliant AirTanker team, I knew how valuable it would be for students to learn more about partnership between Airtanker and Voyager while they were based in Prestwick.
"We have a world-class aviation industry here in Ayrshire, and I want our young people to know that these opportunities are on their doorstep.
“That’s why bringing Ayrshire College and AirTanker together was so important. There’s no substitute for seeing an operation like this first-hand, meeting the people behind it and realising that a career in aviation could be within reach.
"Prestwick has a proud aviation legacy and an exciting future. We must ensure that the skilled workforce leading its next chapter is developed right here in Ayrshire."
The visit comes at an exciting time for Prestwick’s aerospace sector, with continued investment and demand for skilled workers highlighting the importance of strong connections between education and industry.
Mr Gemmell hopes the experience will encourage more collaboration between local employers and education providers, ensuring that young people have opportunities to explore different careers and pathways available to them.
Angela Cox, Principal and Chief Executive of Ayrshire College, said:
“As the leading provider for aerospace skills in Scotland, Ayrshire College is proud to work alongside industry partners such as AirTanker to create clear pathways into rewarding careers for our students. The aerospace and aviation sector is a significant contributor to the regional economy, and ensuring businesses have access to a skilled workforce is essential for future growth.
“Visits such as this allow students to connect directly with employers, gain valuable insights into the industry and better understand the opportunities available to them. We welcome the support of Alan Gemmell MP and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to develop the talent that will drive the sector forward.”
Gemmell added:
“I’m grateful to AirTanker for welcoming us, and to Ayrshire College for giving students the chance to experience something that could shape their future”
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