A Luton aerounautical engineering company has saved thousands of pounds thanks a work experience whizzkid from Putteridge High School.
James Higgs spent two weeks at GKN Aerospace, where his dad, John, works, and was set a number of challenges throughout the fortnight.
The company’s base in Percival Way, Luton, is a centre of excellence for ice protection systems for aircraft, and GKN is the market leader in the design and manufacture of cockpit windows.
James, 14, was set the task of finding a new supplier for the felt they to cover some work surfaces – and obtained a quote that was 80 per cent cheaper, savingn GKN £3,000.
He was also involved in the development of new sytem for storing and organising tooling, which is now being trialled by the company.
Operations director Steve Long said: “He’s very bright and enthusiastic, and he had a quiet confidence about him.
“I’ve told our HR manager and our general manager that if he wants to apply for an apprenticeship, he’ll come with my personal recommendation.”
James has now received a ‘Work Experience Student of the Year’ award from his school’s chair of governors, Bill Pollard.