Aviation event at Oldham Sixth Form College gives students a taste of the skies

Oldham Sixth Form College (OSFC) recently offered students a unique opportunity to explore the world of aviation through immersive, hands-on experience.

Young people were treated to a day packed with visits by a number of British Airways pilots who shared their wealth of experience and knowledge, inspiring them through discussion and the opportunity to try out a real British Airways (BA) flight simulator. 

Supported by BA, the event was organised by Resilient Pilot as part of their Next Gen Aviator programme, an initiative aimed at inspiring careers and pathways into the aviation industry, through sponsorships and mentoring.  

Those who attended benefited from; talks and seminars about what it means to be a pilot or to work within the industry, simulator experiences in an Airbus A350 flight module and drop-in desktop experience.  

Pilot Stuart Beech, OSFC Alumnus, delivered an inspiring, interactive talk to Maths and Science students on Careers in Aviation. 

Kevin Reece, Futures Manager, who liaised with Next Gen Aviator and GMCA to coordinate the event, said: “It is fantastic that we have been able to offer an exciting and informative event like this for the students.  

“The wealth of information and advice that has been available to students to help them make informed decisions about their futures today is incredible. Thank you so much to everyone involved in the successful planning and delivery of the event.” 

Stuart Beech, Founder and CEO of Resilient Pilot added:“As a British Airways airline pilot and former student at Oldham Sixth Form College, our NextGen Aviator event was particularly special for me. Returning to the place that sparked my passion for aviation and being able to pass that spark on to the aviators of the future was extremely rewarding for me personally. 

"We founded Resilient Pilot to support people in their aviation journey and facilitate continuous development of the competencies required for a career on the flightdeck - and the NextGen event reflects that founding mission. With the support of BA we were able to showcase what it’s like to be an operational airline pilot and inspire students to consider aviation as a potential career route. With the global pilot population expected to double in the next twenty years, it’s great to see the future of aviation is in such safe hands.” 

Pablo Moreau Batallan, Year 13 student, (pictured above right), with fellow student, currently holding three offers to study Aerospace Engineering at university, really enjoyed the event: “When I was younger I liked visiting the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester and had a particular interest in the old military planes.

"I developed my love of planes as a child by looking into how different planes such as concorde worked. I am looking to pursue a career in the industry to help solve problems and develop the experience of air travel for all. I am particularly interested in the area of sustainability and hope to be able to make a real difference. 

"The event today was really cool. I have watched so many videos of flight simulators online but to be able to have a go myself whilst receiving advice and information from the pilots here today, has been invaluable.”