Aerospace firm primes Moray youngsters for career take-off
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AN AEROSPACE engineering firm met youngsters at RAF Lossiemouth last week to seek out and inspire the area's future talent.
Leonardo was at the base to share its technology with the next generation of Moray talent, and spark their interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers during Friends and Family Day on July 4.
The firm aims to attract a rich mix of people from different backgrounds – which it believes enriches innovation. It is actively reaching out to youngsters in the north and Moray who may face "geographical barriers" to engagement with such companies.
A Leonardo spokesperson said: "If young people in the Moray area don’t have the opportunity to see tomorrow’s technology up close, it is harder for them to imagine being a part of its future.
"We have many successful employees who started life in the Highlands and we want to ensure we play a role in heightening awareness of career opportunities across the region so we don’t miss out on future talent."
Leonardo showcased a virtual reality game in which players prepared a Typhoon for take-off, and a sensor game which demonstrated how this technology is applied on the ground, over sea, in the air and out into space to send back vital information.
A team of the company’s apprentices and graduates met families and discussed its technology and the role Leonardo plays in supporting RAF Lossiemouth’s four Typhoon Squadrons at the Quick Reaction Alert base.
Peter Mutch, employability youth worker at Elgin Youth Development Group (EYDG), said: "EYDG is passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people in the local area and helping them to reach their full potential. Part of that involves bringing meaningful practical experiences to children in the local area, so it is gratifying to see large employers such as Leonardo seek to engage the next generation of Highland Moray talent by showcasing their technology.
"I noticed that the virtual reality game where children prepared an aircraft for take-off worked well as it was a working example of science in the real world."
Sarah Riley-Evans, communications and engagement team manager at the base, said: "The RAF is delighted to see large employers like Leonardo seeking to become a part of the Lossiemouth community.
"All it takes is for a company to give a taste of the fantastic technology that is out there and they can end up shaping young people’s futures."
