As part of the Daedalus Airfield’s 100 year celebrations, CEMAST were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal for a tour around the campus to mark the occasion.
The Royal visit consisted of a guided tour around the campus, escorted by Principal and Chief Executive Nigel Duncan. The Princess Royal had the opportunity to observe teaching and learning taking place in several different learning environments, view practical activities, and talk to students and staff about their experience and planned careers.
The exciting practical demonstrations took place in CEMAST’s state-of-the-art workshops and included CNC and 3D Printing, flight simulation and wind tunnel, as well as programming robotics. The CEMAST concourse was transformed into a presentation space filled with students’ work as well as specialist cars from our Motorsport and Automotive department, including a Formula 750, kit car, and green car.
Her Royal Highness was introduced to a number of students and staff, including Young Engineers, Student Representatives, and a team of apprentices. The Apprenticeship team consisted of George Ballard, Ashley Biginton, Joe Salmon, Tom Brading, and Catherine Waite, who worked together to develop and build a brass model of a Sopwith Camel Aircraft, which they presented as a gift to The Princess Royal at the end of her tour.
Level 3 Mechanical Engineering Apprentice, Ashley Biginton, said:
“The Sopwith Camel was the first aircraft commissioned on Daedalus so we thought it would be the perfect gift for this important occasion. We enjoyed working on the project together and all played important roles to get it done. I was proud to present the gift to Her Royal Highness during the celebration today.”
After the visit, Nigel Duncan reflected on the wonderful occasion:
“We are absolutely delighted that HRH The Princess Royal took time out of her busy schedule to visit Fareham College’s Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Advanced Skills Training – CEMAST. The visit gave our students and apprentices the opportunity to demonstrate to HRH the quality of technical training they receive and some of the advanced skills they gain on their apprenticeships and courses. HRH was very impressed with the Centre, which ranks in the top 5 in the country for 16-18yr old engineering training and wished the College every success with its plans to further expand its provision in the future.”
Since opening the doors in 2014, CEMAST has developed a strong relationship with neighbouring airfield, Daedalus, and are proud to be involved in celebrating their 100th anniversary.
