Ross Smillie, an Osprey Systems Analyst has been invited back to Coventry University to deliver a guest lecture to Year 2 students studying for a BSc in Aviation Management. The lecture will take place on 29th October 2020 and is entitled ‘Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Airport Operations’, focusing on how ATC procedures, systems and technology can have an impact on wider airport operations and management. The lecture will cover topics including; Adverse Weather Conditions, Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM), the Airspace Change Process (ACP) and the impact of COVID-19 on the aviation industry.
Prior to joining Osprey, Ross graduated from Coventry with a First Class BSc (Hons) degree in Aviation Management. He was specifically approached by his course tutor to deliver a lecture based on his experience gained from a year-long work placement at NATS (based at the Prestwick Enroute ATC Centre in Scotland), and the projects he has worked on since joining Osprey including various Airspace Change Proposals, working towards a potential heliport licensing, supporting clients operating within the UK Space Industry and the activation of a brand new UK Airport.
Alisha Annan, Recruitment Manager at Osprey said “It’s fantastic that our graduates get opportunities like this to share their knowledge and give students an idea of what work can be like after leaving university. Ross is a great example of someone that has truly benefitted from an industry work placement and has been able to couple his academic skills with real working responsibilities. Ross has excelled since following Osprey’s Graduate Development Programme and has been given exposure across all areas of the business to explore where his true interest lies.”
Ross, who enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience added “It’s great to be able to give something back to Coventry University, after having such a great experience there. Since graduating, many of my peers have chosen to follow a path into Flight Operations and Route Development with various commercial airlines, so I’m excited to have this opportunity to share my ATC experience. I hope the lecture gives a good insight to the exposure I’ve had so far in my career, emphasises the benefits of a work placement and encourages students to start thinking about their future career path. It may even inspire some students to consider a career within ATC, an often misunderstood sector within the industry. Although my lecture will be delivered virtually, it will undoubtedly be a nostalgic experience for me.”
Coventry University is one of the UK’s leading universities in the study of Aviation Management. The highly successful course has been running for over 10 years and attracts students from around the world. The course is taught by a mix of highly experienced aviation professionals and academics, aiming to provide a broad understanding of many different aspects of the aviation industry. Modules currently include the likes of; Airport Operations, Airline Marketing, Aviation Safety, Project Management and Human Factors in Aviation.
Ross is currently following Osprey’s Graduate Development Programme (GDP). In contrast to many traditional graduate schemes, Osprey’s bespoke programme offers genuine responsibility from the outset and provides unique insights into both civil and defence aviation markets.
If you are interested in a graduate career with Osprey, please contact Alisha Annan: alisha.annan@ospreycsl.co.uk
