Showcase held for engineers of the future

Highland RFCA Head of Engagement Michelle McKearnon attended an Engage with Engineers event at the Cadet Training Centre (CTC) in Boddam on 10 May.

The centre is home to 2nd Battalion The Highlanders Army Cadet Force (ACF) who organised the event.

The day saw numerous engineering companies from the Aberdeenshire area showcasing job opportunities available to the area’s young people.

Many teenagers and their parents from secondary schools in the North East, along with Tri-service cadets, were welcomed at the event that ran in glorious sunshine from 10am-4pm.

There were numerous information stands for the young people to get round, including engineering in some of the following industries: oil and gas, construction, Defence, electronics, communication, helicopters, plumbing, and Blue Light Services. Some of the organisations also gave presentations throughout the course of the day.

The Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force attended, along with Armed Forces Covenant signatory and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder Aberdeenshire Council; Armed Forces Covenant signatory and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award holders Bristow Helicopters Limited, Gray & Adams, and SSE; and Armed Forces Covenant signatories JFD, and Score Group.

Also in attendance: Aberdeenshire Drone Services (main image), BAM, Divex, Energy X, EnerTech, Grampian Fire & Rescue, Greenvolt, Hunting Plc, MacDuff Shipyards, John G Matthew Plumbing and Heating, NESCOL (North East Scotland College), and SPE.

Engineering was chosen as the main focus as it supports STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects that form part of the Army Cadet Syllabus.

The Battalion had planned to first hold the event in 2020, however it couldn’t go ahead due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many thanks to 2nd Battalion The Highlanders ACF for inviting us, our stand and growing band of mascots along to this valuable event.