Thanks to Helene from GKN for sharing news of this recent visit to the plant by Isle of Wight pupils. Ed
Twenty teenagers, drawn from science and technology classes in five Isle of Wight schools, toured GKN Aerospace’s high-tech operation in East Cowes recently.
During their visit the 13 and 14 year-olds talked to young employees who are already making a real contribution to improvements in future aircraft and aero-engine design and performance.
Learning more about pioneering initiatives
During the morning session the group saw major structures, such as aircraft winglets and engine nacelles, being manufactured and then enjoyed a series of highly focused five minute discussions, delivered by Cowes employees, giving the youngsters a sense of some of the pioneering initiatives underway today that will improve the performance of future aircraft.
After lunch the teenagers received an introduction to lean manufacturing, a critical area for today’s aerospace sector. They participated in a ‘design and build’ exercise where they assessed best practice, devised an efficient manufacturing process and created a profitable ‘business’. Each participating school received a financial contribution to be used to fund technological products that will assist their teaching activities.
Island’s largest private employer
GKN Aerospace is the Isle of Wight’s largest private employer with over 1,000 people working in the company’s Falcon Yard and Osborne facilities.
The operation sits at the heart of GKN’s international aerospace business, which is a global market leader across all its areas of expertise.
Garry Hernes, Operations General Manager, GKN Aerospace – Cowes, explains: “Aerospace has always been a pioneering industry – and the island’s contribution has always been a very significant one. There is huge innovation underway in this sector currently, in response to demanding aircraft performance goals and challenging international environmental targets. Our next generation of island employees will work in a period of real transformation in aircraft and aero-engine design and manufacture. We hope our young visitors today gained an appreciation of that – and of the excellent career opportunities we offer. We hope to repeat this activity soon.”
