Aviation engineering in action

A group of sixth-formers studying design technology at The Leys had the chance to see behind the scenes at Marshall’s, the Cambridge-based aerospace company.

The visit was an opportunity to find out about manufacturing processes, stress analysis of materials and the use of computer-aided design (CAD).

“It was great for the students to see the high-tech industry at all levels, right down to seeing an apprentice filing off rivets with a file,” said DT teacher John Norton.

Terry Holloway, group support executive for Marshall’s, met the pupils and gave them an outline of the history and development of the company. He discussed the challenges of the current business environment and the career prospects for young people with an interest in engineering. The party was then shown round the hangars, where planes were being worked on.

“One aircraft was laid out like an Airfix kit ready for assembly, which was quite exciting to see. We also saw an RAF Tri-Star in for updating, and on our way back to the main reception they were taking in an Austrian Hercules for more test flights,” said Mr Norton.