Six RAF Air Cadets from 161 (1st Highland) Squadron, Air Training Corps, spent time with staff from Highlands & Islands Airport Limited (HIAL) at Inverness Airport gaining life experience of work at the airport.
The cadets attended in pairs over three days earlier this month and spent time visiting different areas at the airport. They spent around an hour and a half at each area, learning all about its roles and functions.
Cadets had the opportunity to visit Airport Security, which covers building and ground patrols, searches and scanner machines. They then moved on to the information desk to learn about customer services. Cadets also experienced Airport Mobility Assistance, learning how to assist passengers with mobility problems through the terminal and on and off the aircraft.
A cadet learns about security procedures.
The cadets also visited the airport fire section and were shown around the appliances and workings of the station before heading to the control tower to learn about work as an air traffic controller.
Cadets (above, and below) enjoyed a close look at the fire appliances.
Flight Sergeant Neil Jack (Officer Commanding 161 Squadron) said: “The cadets had a fantastic experience over the three days and all enjoyed it. It has been fantastic how Inverness Airport have hosted us and supported the squadron and cadet organisation in this experience. We are really pleased with how it all went.”
Graeme Bell, Inverness Airport general manager, said: “We are always eager to be involved in the development of young people and were delighted to welcome the Air Cadets as part of HIAL’s ongoing youth engagement programme.
“The cadets were given an insight into the vital work that we do with a behind the scenes visit to see how Inverness Airport operates. They saw first-hand how our people in the fire service, security and air traffic control work together to keep our services running and our passengers and customers safe.
“Initiatives like these are essential as they allow young people to experience jobs that they may not have known were available and find out directly from the professionals what the job entails.The cadets were a pleasure to work with and are a real credit to the Air Training Corp.”
