The trust has delivered free Airbus training days to students in 15 schools across the UK. Students were challenged to design and build an electromagnetic crane to transport aeroplane wing components between two given points. High achievers were then selected to attend a special Airbus Engineering experience residential course in March for 60 students at Harper Adams University College, Shropshire.

On the course, students worked alongside skilled engineers and were challenged by a variety of taxing projects that tested their team building, communication, time management, problem solving and planning skills. It enabled the students to discover if a career in engineering might be for them.

Duncan Greenman, head of people development, Airbus Engineering, UK said: “By partnering with The Smallpeice Trust, Airbus is making a direct, positive contribution to the education of the country’s future engineers whilst providing an environment for fun learning that no classroom could ever create.”

Trust spokesperson Gemma Murphy said: “The key to our success lies in our relationships with partners in industry. We are delighted that Airbus shares our vision to educate young people in engineering and the rewarding careers it offers.”

Founded by Dr Cosby Smallpeice in 1966, the trust has grown tremendously over the past 40 years, helping thousands of young people find a career in engineering.