Twenty-nine students, aged 13-16, from Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi graduated from JET’s Blue Skies programmes in North Wales on 14th February. They received their certificates from Group Captain Chris Moon and Squadron Leader Graeme Muscat, from RAF Valley.
“It is fantastic to see the young people on stage telling us their stories about all the key skills they have learnt, which will increase their life chances.” – Dean Clarke, Community Development Officer, RAF Valley
The Blue Skies 1, 2 and 3 students have been learning teamwork, leadership and employability skills from inspirational individuals and environments linked to aviation and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). JET deliver the programme in North wales in partnership with Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi and RAF Valley alongside industry partners and funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund.
“On Blue Skies, I’ve learnt how to be more confident in hard situations and push myself to do things that push me out of my comfort zone.” – Blue Skies 1 Student, Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi
“Before I joined Blue Skies, I was not confident at all, but now I feel that I have grown in confidence and I feel I can focus more on my education.” -Blue Skies 3 Student, Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi
Sessions included sailing and leadership tasks with the Joint Services Mountain Training Centre (JSMTC), problem solving with BAE systems, navigation with Eagle House, learning communication skills with air traffic control and sea survival drills with RAF Valley.
“I’m really proud of him because he’s been through a lot over the past few years. He’s got more confidence. He’s never been able to speak in front of people like he did today.” – Parent of Blue Skies student
“The students have shown personal growth. Many lack confidence and are very shy, so to see them standing on stage is a big step for them.” – Mr Adam Williams, Headteacher, Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi