Apprentices Dan Higby and Ashley Filby in front of a Red Arrows Hawk at RAF Scampton

Two Harlow College apprentices had the experience of a lifetime on Friday when they were given ‘access all areas’ to the Red Arrows at their base, RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.

Engineering apprentices Dan Higby and Ashley Filby both received awards for the exceptional performance they have made within their Apprenticeships. As well as watching a formation flying display the day including sitting in on the pre and post flight briefings, lunch with the pilots and a guided tour of the Hawk aircraft from RAF Engineer and Squadron Leader Pete Searle.

Ashley, an apprentice with Inflite Engineering in Stansted described his experience: "The day was amazing, especially meeting the pilots. The company I work for make some of the parts for the Hawk aircraft so it was great to see the work we do actually on the plane!".

Inflite Engineering manager Gareth Snowling accompanied Ashley on the day and was equally inspired by the experience. "It's been a fantastic opportunity for Ashley to understand the engineering process beyond the manufacturing stage and what a great way to see it, on a Red Arrows jet!".

The Red Arrows experience was kindly provided by local web design company, XS Creativity.

Ashley Filby receiving his Award for Exceptional Performance from Squadron Leader Pete Searle