Sandymoor Ormiston Academy is embarking on a future-focused partnership with international aerospace equipment manufacturer Héroux-Devtek, creating long-term opportunities for Runcorn students.
As part of the collaboration, Héroux-Devtek will be offering hands-on work experience placements to twelve Year 10 students across the course of the year, with opportunities also available for Year 11 students to explore apprenticeship options after completing their studies.
The programme will give young people first-hand exposure to the aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector, helping them to develop employability skills, confidence and ambition. Reflecting a shared commitment between the academy, trust, and Héroux-Devtek to enrichment, skills development and meaningful career pathways, the partnership is particularly significant for the local community, offering students high-quality employment opportunities and supporting bright futures close to home.
Héroux-Devtek is a leading global supplier of aircraft landing gear solutions, specialising in the manufacture, maintenance and repair of landing gear systems. The company employs nearly 1,960 people across 18 facilities in North America and Europe, with its nearest site located just five minutes from Sandymoor Ormiston Academy.
Linsey Hand, Principal at Sandymoor Ormiston Academy, said: “This partnership represents a powerful opportunity for our students to see what is possible for their futures. Working with a global aerospace manufacturer on our doorstep will broaden horizons, raise aspirations and give our young people invaluable insight into a highly skilled and exciting industry. We are incredibly proud to be building a long-term relationship with Héroux-Devtek that we hope will have a lasting impact on generations of Sandymoor students, and are looking forward to seeing what our young people will go on to achieve as a result.”
Daniel Martin, Special Projects Manager from Héroux-Devtek, said: “At Héroux-Devtek, we place great value on professional development and continuous learning, as we know how vital strong skills and experience are to long-term career success. We are delighted to extend these opportunities to students from Sandymoor Ormiston Academy.
“Encouraging curiosity, ambition and understanding of the working world is incredibly important to us, and we look forward to welcoming students into our business and supporting them as they take their first steps towards their future careers.”