Yeovil College Helps Inspire Future Engineers Through International Ad Astra Programme
Yeovil College has played a leading role in bringing an innovative international engineering programme to Somerset, helping more than 80 young people discover the exciting opportunities available within engineering, technology and sustainability.
Developed in partnership with Leonardo, ‘Ad Astra: Find Your Spark’ gave young people aged 13 to 16 the opportunity to explore real-world engineering challenges through a series of hands-on activities designed and delivered with support from Yeovil College’s Engineering team.
The programme, which originated in Italy and has already engaged more than 800 young people, made its UK debut in Somerset, with Yeovil selected as the first location to host the initiative.
Over two days, participants took part in practical engineering and sustainability challenges, toured Leonardo’s Yeovil site and iAero innovation centre, and gained an exclusive insight into one of the UK’s most advanced aerospace and defence environments.
Working alongside Leonardo, Yeovil College helped create and deliver a range of interactive activities that encouraged teamwork, creativity and problem-solving. Young people designed helicopters, tackled sustainability challenges and took part in a NASA-inspired mission exercise, giving them a taste of the skills needed for future careers in industry.
George Round, Curriculum Area Manager for Engineering and Automotive Engineering at Yeovil College, said:
“It has been fantastic to work alongside Leonardo to bring Ad Astra to Somerset and help create such an inspiring experience for young people. The Yeovil College team played a key role in designing hands-on activities that encouraged creativity, teamwork and problem-solving, and it was incredible to see participants embrace every challenge. Opportunities like this can spark ambition and open young people’s eyes to the exciting careers available in engineering and technology.”
Clive Higgins, Chair & CEO, Leonardo UK Ltd, said:
“Ad Astra gives young people opportunities and experiences they might not otherwise have, helping them see how engineering, technology and sustainability shape the world around them. If it inspires even a few to explore a future in engineering, it has achieved something truly valuable.”
The programme aligns closely with Yeovil College’s commitment to working alongside employers to develop future talent and provide young people with meaningful experiences that connect education with industry.