Twenty-four Crawley College Engineering T Level students recently completed the college’s largest Engineering T Level industry placement with a single employer to date at Air Atlanta Aviaservices in Manor Royal, Crawley.
Delivered through the Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology, the placement gave students the opportunity to apply their classroom learning within a live engineering environment while working alongside experienced aviation professionals.
Based in Manor Royal, Crawley, Air Atlanta Aviaservices provides specialist maintenance, repair and overhaul services for aircraft components used within the aviation industry.
T Level Engineering Students Gain Hands-on Aviation Experience
The students, studying Engineering T Level pathways including Maintenance, Installation and Repair, took part across two separate groups and spent several weeks within the business, working alongside experienced technicians and engineers across a range of specialist departments.
During the placement, learners gained experience in aircraft wheel and brake systems, non-destructive testing, oxygen systems, component inspection and aircraft interiors. Working within a live aviation engineering environment gave students the opportunity to experience first-hand the precision, responsibility and technical expertise required within the sector.
Throughout the programme, students were mentored and supported by Air Atlanta Aviaservices employees, who took time to explain processes, answer questions and share their own industry experience. Learners were welcomed into the culture of the business, encouraged to engage fully with the work taking place around them and even joined staff for team meals during the placement.
Air Atlanta Aviaservices Production Manager Clyde Edwards explained that one of the strengths of the programme was the enthusiasm shown by the students themselves. Arriving with a genuine interest in engineering meant learners were keen to understand the equipment, processes and challenges involved in aviation engineering, creating a positive experience for both students and staff.
He added that enthusiasm for engineering makes a significant difference within a highly technical environment where employees are working with specialist equipment, safety-critical components and detailed engineering processes. Rather than temporary staffing where interest in engineering is not always present, the students actively wanted to understand the work, ask questions and learn from the experience.
Manifesting Success in Engineering
The placement also highlighted the career opportunities available through Engineering T Levels, with several Air Atlanta Aviaservices employees sharing their own progression stories with students.
Clyde Edwards reflected on his own progression from Crawley College student to Production Manager at Air Atlanta Aviaservices. His advice focused on the importance of manifesting success by setting clear goals, believing in what can be achieved and working consistently towards them. It was a mindset that had helped shape his own career and one he encouraged students to adopt as they looked ahead to their futures.
Now helping lead teams within the company, Clyde also spoke warmly about the support Air Atlanta Aviaservices had given him throughout his career. He encouraged students to make the most of every opportunity, continue developing their skills and, in time, help others progress in the same way.
That culture of progression could also be seen elsewhere within the business. Yasim, a former Crawley College student who now works at Air Atlanta Aviaservices, spoke positively about his experience since joining the company. In just a few months, he has already proven to be a very reliable technician. For the students, his journey demonstrated how technical education can lead directly into a rewarding engineering career.
Supporting Future Engineering Talent
Managers across the business repeatedly stressed that attitude, passion and willingness to learn are just as important as qualifications and technical ability. Air Atlanta Aviaservices actively looks for potential and commitment when developing future engineers, while creating opportunities for employees to progress into specialist and leadership positions.
For the Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology, employer partnerships like this demonstrate the value of T Level industry placements and engineering apprenticeships in developing the skilled workforce of the future. Working alongside employers gives students the opportunity to apply their learning in real workplace environments while building the technical skills, confidence and professional behaviours employers are looking for.
The placement programme with Air Atlanta Aviaservices has already made a lasting impact on the students involved, giving them valuable experience at a crucial stage in their education while helping them make informed decisions about their future careers.
The Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology is always keen to work with employers who can offer T Level industry placements, engineering apprenticeships, guest talks, projects or other opportunities to support learners. By sharing their knowledge and experience, employers play a vital role in developing future talent while helping to ensure local businesses have access to the skilled workforce they need.
Could your business help develop the next generation of skilled talent?
To find out more about supporting T Level industry placements or apprenticeships through the Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology, please contact Tim Chester-Williams at: tchesterwilliams@crawley.ac.uk