College flies high with the RAF

THE Royal Air Force has cemented its links with Warrington’s  Priestley College by honouring it with one of only 50 platinum awards given out in the North West.
Flight Lieutenant Ed Stephens presented the plaque to principal Matthew Grant, signifying the ongoing links between the two organisations.
Flt Lt Stephen said: “This partnership gives young people the opportunity to find out more about the type of work on offer within the RAF, which can be anything from a pilot to a medic or mechanic.
“We have enjoyed a strong partnership with Priestley College over the years and this award recognises that as well as making a commitment to strengthening those links in future.”
The platinum award has been given to just 50 of 750 schools and colleges that the RAF works with in the North West.
It acknowledges that Priestley students have gone on to success within the RAF and also means that it wants to provide even more opportunities for students.
They will now make at least four visits to Priestley in the next year to meet students, set them challenges and advise on apprenticeships and careers.
Over the past five years many students from Professional Studies amongst other curriculum areas at Priestley have been recruited by the RAF to a range of different trades.
Colin Whittaker, head of professional studies at Priesltey, said: “We are very proud of the strong links we have formed with the RAF, which has created so many opportunities for our students.
“The RAF are very good at promoting the value of education before joining their ranks, which is important so that the young people always have something to fall back on.”
To find out more about studying public services at Priestley go to www.priestley.ac.uk