Amentum, a global leader in advanced engineering and solutions, welcomed two RAF Air Cadets from 41F (Taunton and District) Squadron to its Bristol office for a unique and inspiring week of work experience and hands-on learning.
From 30 June to 4 July, Cadet Harry Long and Corporal Simon Van Rooyen joined ten other students from the Bristol and Bath area to tackle an ambitious challenge: planning the human colonisation of the Moon and Mars. The project introduced them to the complex engineering, logistical, and psychological hurdles involved in such a monumental endeavour.
Throughout the week, the students received expert briefings from professionals across civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering disciplines, as well as project managers, controllers, and space specialists. Drawing on this knowledge, they developed innovative solutions and, on Friday 4 July, presented their final proposals to a team of Amentum staff and STEM leadership, highlighting their strategies, challenges, and creative problem-solving.
Reflecting on the experience, Harry described it as “life-changing,” adding that it had inspired him to reconsider his A-Level choices in favour of Maths and Physics, with a view to pursuing a career in engineering.
The initiative has been hailed as a resounding success, and Amentum is now exploring opportunities to expand its work experience offerings to include more Cadet Forces across the UK.