Our train departed for Preston  at 7.15 a.m. and we arrived at  the Preston train station at 7.57 a.m. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by Mr David Barker a representative from BAE Systems.  We then headed for BAE Systems in Warton with the coach provided.  Upon our arrival, we were greeted by the receptionist and headed straight to the presentation suite, W293 for some welcoming greetings and MAI overview. MAI stands for Industrial Partnerships Manager and this has been conducted by Mr David Barker as our host for the day assisted by Mr Jordan Halliwell, a business development graduate.  Mr David talked briefly about the history of BAE systems with what they are currently focusing on. They also shared with us a little bit about the apprentice program and how Mr Jordan was able to get himself involved with the company without any background of engineering but specifically focusing on business development sector for the company.

 

Our first visit for the day was the Typhoon Final Assembly Hangar. We were greeted by one of the person in charged at the hangar and a bit of introduction of typhoon were given. As we walked around the hangar, he continuously explained about each section as we passed by. Next we visited the Hawk Assembly Hangar where we can see how hawk was assembled from the production of materials until the final assembly.

 

We then departed for Samlesbury site at around 11.30  a.m. We had our lunch break and zohor prayer there before continuing our programme. After lunch, we were brought to the Carbon Fibre Composites building where nearly most parts of the hawk is made. Around 3.45 p.m., we visited the Academy of Skills and Knowledge (ASK), where this place is equipped with the latest technology, which replicated the equipment used in their manufacturing facilities and engineering labs, where world-leading combat aircraft including Eurofighter Typhoon and the F-35 Lightning II are produced. There will be nearly 200 apprentices in training recruited each year by their Military Air & Information business. The Academy’s Education Station also offers an exciting learning area to inspire visiting school children to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and maths. They have an area where the students can play and at the same times learn about sciences and they also have a virtual reality room for the students to learn about the aircraft parts.

 

We then departed for Preston railway station and safely arrived at Manchester by 7.29 p.m and later headed straight to our place.