How Spitfires help give Fylde coast students wings

A group of technical and professional students from Blackpool and The Fylde College have been spending time working with the team at the

Fylde Coast Museum of Aviation and Aircraft Manufacturing, based in Hangar 42 at Blackpool Airport.

They area studying a range of courses from Level 3 BTECs to foundation degrees, but have taken time out to help with the rebuild of replica Spitfires and a Hurricane at the museum.

Both students and staff believe the opportunity to work on the aircraft has given them essential industry experience to outshine other candidates in the battle for roles in industry.

Lewis Smith, from Blackpool, who is studying a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering, has now been successful in securing an apprenticeship with Rolls Royce, beginning in September.

The 20-year-old said: “I was already interested in engines and aircraft so found this project fascinating. I now come down in my own time to work on the Spitfire which has been assigned to me.

“I really think it made me stand out from the crowd when I went for my interview with Rolls Royce and helped me secure my apprenticeship.”

One project currently taking place at the site involves students building a replica Rolls Royce Merlin engine which can fit into the engine bay of one of the aircraft.

Another involves a group creating a scale model of a Spitfire for the museum to take into schools for educational presentations.

B&FC programme leader Mark Stephens said: “There are so many people applying for roles with companies like Rolls Royce and BAE Systems that it’s important to offer something which makes our students stand out.

“I met the volunteers involved in the project at a display and when I found out they were based in Blackpool I asked if we could get some students involved. It has grown from there. We always encourage our students to make sure they have a good portfolio in place to take to job interviews and having worked on a project like this definitely makes them a more attractive candidate.”

The museum was founded by members of the Lytham St Annes Spitfire Display Team, which previously helped to construct a £120,000 Spitfire Memorial at Fairhaven Lake.

They wanted a permanent base for their aircraft and Second World War vehicles and were allowed to take over Hangar 42 which dates from the war.

They are holding a series of 40s swing dances and open days this year to raise money for the project starting on Saturday, April 15.

Also see: Aviation museum opens its doors