Three Forth Valley College Modern Apprentices employed by Edinburgh Airport have taken off on an inventive journey through the Scottish Apprenticeship Challenge.
Electrical MAs Grant Campbell (21) (4th year) from Falkirk, who is pictured here on the far left, Michael Taylor (22) (3rd year), also from Falkirk, pictured on the far right and Harry Chalmers (19) (1st year) from Larbert, had the objective to make or provide something that will benefit the local community in some way.
Their idea was to take an old X-Ray machine that the airport no longer used and turn it into an interactive museum exhibit that would be donated to the East Fortune Museum of Flight for their modern aviation section.
Michael, said: “After a few months of planning and modifying the X-ray machine and adding a conveyor belt return system, we had a working exhibit. We filmed it in action and made a video of us talking about its features before sending it with a PowerPoint presentation to the event organisers.
“At the awards ceremony, we displayed the video and presented our PowerPoint in front of a judging panel. At the end of the ceremony, we were awarded both the Most Innovative award and Best Overall award. Additionally, we qualified for the national challenge in March 2019 as well and the plan is to further modify the exhibit to make it more interactive.”
Lorraine Kerr, FVC Business Development Partner, said: “The skills and information the MAs have gained during their apprenticeship has given them the confidence and ability to successfully complete projects of this type to enhance their apprenticeship. I look forward to hearing how they get on at the final ceremony in March 2019, good luck to all involved.”
Brian Anderson, Senior Engineering Manager, at Edinburgh International Airport, said “This project has demonstrated what our MAs can achieve during their apprenticeship journey. They used tools such as a Project charter, CDM, CAD Sketchup, Lean manufacturing techniques and of course, electrical, electronic and mechanical skills to completion. I would like to wish them all good luck in March, at the National Finals in Glasgow City Chambers.”
