CAA International (CAAi), the technical cooperation arm of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) has sponsored the Sussex Army Cadet Force (ACF) KitKar display team. A cheque of £600 was presented to Company Commander B Company, Major David Burberry, on Friday 30 August, during a special event at the CAA’s Aviation House, where the KitKar team provided live demonstrations to CAA staff.
The Sussex ACF KitKar display team is a group of army cadets that learn mechanical engineering skills by breaking down a KitKar into its component parts and then reassembling the car in the shortest possible time before driving it across the finish line. It is a disciplined activity that encourages teamwork and stimulates interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). The team performs across the country at events and participation contributes towards the cadet’s Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.
The £600 sponsorship was part of CAAi’s Social Enterprise initiative, that supports several STEM initiatives in the local area for children ages nine to fourteen years old. By inspiring and encouraging children to study STEM related subjects in school, the CAA hopes to help inspire the pilots, aviation engineers and traffic controllers of tomorrow.
The funds will be used for crucial vehicles maintenance, repairs and upgrades. Upon the handover of the cheque Ben Alcott, said: “It is our great pleasure to support this activity and an even greater pleasure to have the Sussex ACF KitKar team at CAA so we can see their considerable skills. It’s so important that young people are encouraged to learn both technical and teamwork skills and we wish the Sussex ACF a lot of success in the future.”
Colonel David Steele, the Commandant of Sussex ACF said, “I would like to thank CAAi for this very kind donation from your Social Enterprise STEM Fund. This funding will help to ensure that our KitKars are well maintained and safe moving forward. This will allow Cadets the fantastic opportunity to continue being involved in a first-class STEM activity, providing the Cadets with a good base from which to consider STEM related courses, at either University, or on Apprenticeship schemes. The skills developed by the Cadets participating in the activity, along with their other Army Cadet experiences, allow them to be exposed to a very good broad range of employability skills that will hold them in good stead as they mature and enter the world of work”.
For more information, please contact international@caa.co.uk
