Wimborne, UK: The Cobham sponsored classroom was officially opened today at a ceremony in the Bournemouth and Poole College STEM centre. The classroom, which includes motivational graphics and illuminated cabinets containing examples of Cobham's pioneering technology, will be used to inspire the next generation of engineering apprentices studying the company's award-winning apprenticeship programme.

Cobham's apprenticeship programme provides apprentices with the opportunity to work on real life engineering projects for market-leading technologies across the sea, land, air and space domains.

The newly refurbished classroom, which will be used to teach Cobham apprentices, was opened after a short ceremony and ribbon-cutting by the chairman of Dorset's Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Gordon Page CBE DL.

Looking around the classroom, 2nd Year Cobham Apprentice Dan Leigh said "seeing the technology in the cabinets is fascinating because you know it's real and has actually been built by Cobham engineers! It makes me realise that I could go on to help design and create similar pieces in future, which is really inspirational. I'm looking forward to studying in the new classroom and who knows - one day it may be my technology in the cabinets!"

Pauline Howell, SVP Organisational Design and Talent Development at Cobham plc, said "Cobham has a long history of working with academic institutions to motivate young minds. Sponsoring the classroom at Bournemouth and Poole College, and inspiring the students whist they study, is important because we recognise that they are the future of engineering. By inspiring them today we are securing ground-breaking technology for tomorrow."

"Every piece of technology in the cabinets was designed and created by Cobham engineers and shows the apprentices that they too could be part of ground-breaking engineering projects as part of our apprenticeship programme. We hope the classroom motivates them!"   

Gordon Page, Chairman of Dorset's Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) added "I am absolutely delighted to be here today at the opening of the Cobham sponsored STEM classroom. We need a continuous supply of STEM minded youngsters to fuel our regional and national economic development and the opportunities in today's advanced research and manufacturing industry are fantastic."

"To the apprentices and students who have access to Cobham's apprenticeship programme, I say go for it; our advanced engineering and our Dorset companies will fully support you!"

For more information on Cobham plc's award-winning Apprenticeship Programme please visit www.cobham.com/the-group/careers.   

Apprenticeships at Cobham

Cobham has a long and successful history of training successive generations of apprentices. Over the years, we've built a strong internal support network, which is coupled with good links to local schools and colleges. Cobham apprentices have picked up many awards over the years, including Brathay National Apprenticeship Challenge Team of the Year, three Higher National Certificate (HNC) Awards in Dorset and multiple EEF Regional and National Apprentices of the Year.

About Cobham

The most important thing we build is trust.

Cobham is a leading global technology and services innovator, respected for providing solutions to the most challenging problems, from deep space to the depths of the ocean.

We employ more than 11,500 people on five continents, and have customers and partners in over 100 countries, with market leading positions in: wireless, audio, video and data communications, including satellite communications; defence electronics; air-to-air refuelling; aviation services; life support and mission equipment.

Enquiries:

Cobham plc
Lydia Santis
External Communications
M: +44 (0) 7702 140 809