Where future careers take flight

Where future careers take flight

Students explored AI, flight simulators and cutting-edge technology at an exciting Careers in Aviation and Engineering Day hosted by Ripon Grammar School

STUDENTS had the opportunity to fly aircraft in state-of-the-art flight simulators, experience virtual reality, meet an advanced robotic dog and watch an indoor drone in action during this year’s annual Careers in Aviation and Engineering Day at Ripon Grammar School.

The event welcomed Year 10 students from Ripon Grammar School, Outwood Academy Ripon, St Francis Xavier School and Nidderdale High School for an exciting day designed to inspire the next generation of engineers, pilots, programmers and innovators.

The day was led by guest speakers from the Schools’ Aerospace Careers Programme: Ogi Damyan, Chris Marshall and Mike Stokes, who shared their own inspiring career journeys and demonstrated the many different pathways into careers in technology and aviation.

Chris Marshall showcased his thriving drone business, whose technology is used across a wide range of industries including filmmaking, hazardous site inspections and agricultural crop monitoring in the UK and internationally.

Mike Stokes explained how he has built a successful web development company while also working towards gaining his commercial pilot’s licence, while Ogi Damyan spoke about his work in virtual reality art, 3D graphics and computer programming.

The speakers also explored the rapid development of artificial intelligence, describing how society has entered what they called the Fifth Industrial Revolution. 

Rather than viewing AI as a threat to future employment, they demonstrated through historical examples and discussion that technological change has consistently created entirely new careers. They encouraged students to see AI as a tool that will open doors to exciting opportunities – including jobs that do not yet exist.

The afternoon gave students the chance to get hands-on with some impressive specialist equipment. They experienced virtual reality through high-end VR headsets, tested three brand-new flight simulators and met Spot, the remarkable Boston Dynamics robotic dog. 

Chris Marshall also demonstrated one of his indoor drones, giving students a close-up look at the technology behind modern drone operations.

The event proved to be both enjoyable and thought-provoking, encouraging students to think creatively about the wide range of careers available in aviation, engineering and emerging technologies. Organisers hope to build on this year’s success by returning next July with even more hands-on equipment and interactive experiences.

RGS head of careers Bob Walker thanked all the speakers: "Events such as this help inspire young people to think outside the box - or perhaps even out of this world - when considering their future careers," he said.

To find out more about the charitable organisation behind the event, visit the Schools’ Aerospace Careers Programme here.

Where future careers take flight
Where future careers take flight
Where future careers take flight
Where future careers take flight
Where future careers take flight