A SIXTH former’s life is about to go stratospheric after securing an apprenticeship with the world’s leading aerospace company Rolls Royce.
Northallerton College student James Walters was selected from thousands of hopefuls for an apprenticeship that will see him learn on the job at the company’s Derby factory but also at university, where he will be able to study a degree and a masters in material science. The 17-year-old, of Romanby is predicted to get A, A ,B in maths, physics and chemistry A Levels, which will be the high point of a love of science that first started at primary school. Eventually he will get the opportunity to choose a career in Rolls Royce’s civil, nuclear and aerospace divisions, which could see him working around the globe. James plans to specialise in non-destructive testing, which uses ultrasound and x-rays to detect flaws in key engine components, a role that is critical to aviation safety. He said: “This is an incredible opportunity and I am just so pleased as it will give me the chance to go to university and there will be a job too with one of the world’s leading companies.” Like many students at Northallerton College James is part of the Johnson Group, named after Samuel Johnson, creator of the English Dictionary, who was quoted as saying ‘your aspirations are your possibilities’. The aim of the group is to support students in achieving their aspirations by informing them about opportunities, including vacation schools, subject days and work experience. The college also invites key professionals in to talk about their careers and hold workshops as well as advise on how best to apply successfully for places at Russell Group universities and top apprenticeship schemes. Run by teacher Anna Cox, the group has been successful in helping students secure places at the country’s top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and Durham. She said: “The aim is to help our students believe in their own ability to succeed in life, to give them the confidence to aim high and aspire. James has certainly succeeded in doing all of that and we are thrilled with his news.”
