Final Lift-Off of 2025: ACP Inspires Students at Carshalton Boys Sports College

The Schools’ Aerospace Careers Programme delivered its final event of the year at Carshalton Boys Sports College on Monday 8 December 2025. Around 90 students from Years 10, 11 and 12 took part in the day, which was designed to broaden students’ understanding of modern aerospace and its rapidly evolving career landscape.

The morning opened with a forward-looking introduction to the technological and industrial changes reshaping aviation. Chris Marshall led the first session, giving students a clear view of the emerging aerospace systems, automation and engineering challenges expected over the coming decade. This was followed by a practical and creative segment delivered by Ogi Damjanovic, who explored virtual reality design and how immersive tools are now embedded in engineering and prototyping workflows. The final presentation came from Mike Stokes, who outlined the structured pathways available to students interested in becoming pilots, and discussed the academic preparation that supports both flying careers and wider roles across the aviation industry.

During the afternoon breakout rotations, students were able to engage directly with the ACP’s technology suite. Chris supervised the FPV drone simulators and introduced students to Spot, the quadruped robot whose interactive, voice-driven capabilities consistently draw strong interest. Ogi continued his VR design work, guiding students through the creation of 3D environments and demonstrating how these skills translate into real-world digital engineering. Mike led two flight-focused activities: the VR Flight Experience and the ACP Flight Simulator. Now fully integrated into the programme, the simulator provides a realistic cockpit environment, detailed world scenery and tailored scenarios that allow students to grasp the fundamentals of flight.

The ACP extends its thanks to Carshalton Boys Sports College and to Delaram Masoumi for hosting the final presentation of 2025. The high level of engagement from students across all year groups marked a strong conclusion to the programme’s outreach activities for the year.

Supporting companies for this event: Airborne Platforms UK and DevelopMyWeb