Swapping Textbooks for Toolkits: Take Flight Work Experience

This October half-term, ten young women in Cornwall will be stepping out of the classroom and into the cockpit. For the first time ever, there will be a work experience week in Cornwall where girls can work on real aircraft, explore cutting-edge aerospace technology, and discover what it takes to build a career in one of the most exciting industries in the world.

When running the sell out Reach for the Sky Festival we are often asked for something for older students to help connect them more directly with career options. This year, we’ve taken that on-board (pun intended) and created a brand new offering. Take Flight Work Experience is a unique and completely free week-long opportunity for young women* aged 16 to 18 to immerse themselves in the aviation and aerospace sector, in partnership with The Parnall Group, Spaceport Cornwall, and Newquay Airport.

Right now, only 6.5% of UK pilots are women, and fewer than 16% of people working in tech and engineering are female. For too long, young women haven’t had the chance to try their hand at engineering, meet role models who look like them, come from where they live, or even picture themselves in these careers. Our new Take Flight initiative aims to change that.

Over five action-packed days, participants will spend time at The Parnall Aircraft Company, Newquay Cornwall Airport, and Spaceport Cornwall. They’ll learn practical engineering skills like riveting and working with different materials. They’ll tackle problem-solving challenges that mirror real industry tasks. They’ll even get the chance to work directly on a historic Spitfire aircraft. Along the way, they’ll hear from women who are shaping aviation and aerospace today, and they’ll find out about real pathways into the industry, including apprenticeships and specialist training.

For young women, this is a rare chance to get hands-on experience in a field that can feel distant or unwelcoming. For parents, it’s a chance to see your daughter gain confidence, make connections, and discover opportunities that could shape her future.  

Further Details about the week:

• Take Flight Work Experience week will take place Monday the 27th to Friday the 31st October. 

• It is a full-time work experience opportunity, with each day running approximately from 8:30 am to 16:30 (including travel time). 

• As the programme will take place in locations across Cornwall, free transport will provided in the form of a minibus leaving from the Hall for Cornwall in Truro at 8.30 every morning, returning by 16:30 each afternoon. If you would prefer to arrange your own transport, you will be provided directions and details on the different locations. 

• To take part you need to apply via our application form https://forms.gle/ac7hDfWAZ1dajrRW8 

• Applications are open until Monday 6 October. 

  
  

With only ten places available, it’s an opportunity that promises to be as competitive as it is inspiring. Spaces on the programme will be given based on the application responses. We encourage applicants to answer thoughtfully and share enthusiasm, curiosity and motivation. No prior experience is needed - just an interest in engineering, aviation or aerospace.

If you have any accessibility needs or questions about the application process please email Betsy@tecgirls.co.uk 

* We support the right to self-identify and welcome trans and non-binary students to apply for this programme.