Newhouse Academy becomes first secondary school in country to take part in Next Generation Aviation Programme

Date published: 18 March 2023

Newhouse Academy in Heywood has become the first secondary school in the country to take part in the Next Generation Aviation Programme.

The programme is being delivered by Resilient Pilot, which has been awarded funding as part of the DfT’s ‘Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund’ to inspire and educate students from Year 7 to Year 11.

Resilient Pilot aims to inspire the next generation aviators, maintain continuous engagement through-out secondary school by way of virtual workshops and scenario-based development and develop personal and professional behaviours required of an aviation professional.

The school recently welcomed CEO and founder of Resilient Pilot and A380 pilot, Stuart Beech, director and mentor Captain Claire Durston and director Sam Sloan in person to launch the programme with the first immersive, scenario-based workshop.

Pilot Stuart Beech, originally from Oldham, was obsessed with becoming a pilot from a young age, thanks to his grandfather taking him to air shows and Manchester Airport to watch planes take off and land.

Having followed his dream, his passion is now to increase social mobility and increase awareness of the possibilities within the aviation industry for young people.

Students enjoyed the workshop and were introduced to many aviation careers from, air traffic controllers, engineers and security to baggage handlers, pilots, cabin crew and more.

Iain Baird, careers lead at Newhouse Academy, Heywood said: “We are really excited to be a part of the Next Generation Aviation Programme.

“At Newhouse Academy, quality careers education is embedded in our curriculum, and central to supporting our core value of aspiration. The aviation industry offers many varied career pathways.

“Raising awareness of these opportunities, through the Resilient Pilot scheme, could open many new doors, and inspire our young people to seek a future in aviation.

“We are proud to have been chosen as the first school to offer our students this opportunity.

“The Resilient Pilot immersive scenario-based workshops and mentoring programme will create a real buzz in the classroom.

“We want our young people to have high expectations of themselves and recognise that they could have amazing careers in the aviation industry in the future.

“This programme aligns with our ambitious curriculum to prepare our students for 21st century careers.”