THE team at Cotswold Airport are looking to get more youngsters into the skies, as they celebrate the tenth birthday of their Aviation Scholarship.

Started in 2007, the unique industry scholarship has changed the lives of many young people, helping them embark on careers in the world of aviation, from engineering to commercial flying.

To mark its ten year anniversary, the scholarship has been expanded, with the addition of a sponsorship package from Gulf Aviation.

This new sponsor partnership has enabled the programme to run over 10 days, rather than the original eight, and will allow scholars to officially log 10 hours flying time, up from six or seven previously.

In addition there will also be exciting new site visits including a day at Bristol International Airport and a day spent learning with UAV Academy learning all bout drone flying.

The programme was founded by Cotswold Airport owner, Ronan Harvey, an ex-RAF engineer, aviation expert and incredibly successful entrepreneur, who wanted to get youngsters involved in the world of aviation.

Mr Harvey’s daughter, Suzannah Harvey, CEO of Cotswold Airport, said they are “thrilled” to be expanding the programme and excited about the new partnership with Gulf Aviation.

“I would encourage any young person with an interest in a career in aviation to apply for a place,” she said.

“Not only is it a fantastic experience but it really helps the students take their first steps towards what can be a very rewarding career in aviation, whilst allowing them to build contacts and make new friends at the same time.”

Students from Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, and now Berkshire, can apply for the scholarships.

Applications can be submitted online at cotswoldairport.com

Applicants must be 14 to 18 years of age on March 19, when applications close.

Cotswold Airport have also announced that Cotswold Outdoor will be sponsoring the scholar’s branded jackets for the second year running.