Glasgow apprentices fly the flag at Farnborough

Futures Day is aiming to inspire youngsters between 11 and 21 to study STEM-related subjects and see at first hand the potential career opportunities open to them in the aerospace and defence sectors.

Apprentices Stephen Gallagher (22), Ross Liddell (21), Jamie Wright (20) and Tom Malcolm (20) will be joining other employees manning the Thales stand in the Futures Day/Innovation zone.

The Thales Futures Day presence will have a number of brainteasers and challenges for young visitors to solve – including a reaction timer (for future aircrew), a Chinook desktop trainer, a crypto puzzle competition and tablets with puzzle apps.

Tommy Thales, the company STEM ‘mascot’, will be manning the stand and be available for photo opportunities.

Katy Sanderson, Training School and Apprentice Development Manager at Glasgow, says:

We chose the four as a reward for the effort and hard work they have put into their apprenticeships and their personal studies. From a development point of view, it’s also good for them to see the wider face of Thales and other attending companies at such a major event.”

Tom Malcolm, a second year engineering apprentice, adds: “I was really pleased to be told I was going. I was lucky enough to go to the DSEi show in London last year, but I’ve never been to Farnborough so I’m looking forward to it.”

A number of UK universities will also have a presence at the event, including Southampton, Cranfield, Kingston, Bath,Glasgow, Queen Mary and Nottingham.

Futures Day is run by ADS, a trade organisation for UK companies operating in the aerospace, defence and security industries.