The Rt. Hon. Dr Vince Cable MP, The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, has officially opened Birmingham Airport’s ‘Flight School’.
‘Flight School’ is a long-term partnership between the Airport, its education partners and Midlands businesses, all working together to create a dedicated learning zone for the exclusive use of schools and colleges.
The facility is equipped with PCs, AV equipment and classroom furniture to enable students to have a fully functioning learning facility within an exciting business environment. The facility also offers dedicated areas for use by primary and secondary students and unrivalled views across the runway.
The facility will offer important ‘STEM’ activities (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) to give pupils hands-on access to activities that illustrate the practical application of science and technology.
The project has been heavily supported by Small Heath School and businesses in the aviation sector, including Goodrich and Bromford Industries, which have provided models of aircraft engines and other practical tools to learn about engineering and aviation.
Speaking at the opening event, The Secretary of State for Business, Vince Cable, said,
"This flight centre is an excellent example of business working alongside local schools and colleges to give young people hands-on access to activities that illustrate the practical application of science and technology.
"Providing dedicated resources for primary and secondary school pupils, alongside a specialised zone for ‘STEM’ learning, the centre will help to stimulate interest and encourage the take up of the high level skills UK businesses need to succeed."
Paul Kehoe, CEO of Birmingham Airport, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this facility which demonstrates the Airport’s full commitment to taking an active role in the education of the region’s young people as part of its wider Corporate Responsibility programmes. As a business we feel that we can deliver a real benefit to individuals as they develop skills and attitudes to help them succeed in the competitive world beyond education.”
Pete Slough, Head Teacher, Small Heath School added, “Small Heath School has been a leading light in the development of the idea that education should be extended beyond the classroom to take full advantage of opportunities provided by partnerships with business and industry, helping to produce better qualified, more socially aware and more rounded individuals. Working closely with Birmingham Airport has helped us achieve our goals.”
The launch event brought together the worlds of business and education with over 100 guests from the local area supporting this new facility.