Two Air League Engineering Scholars have taken an exciting next step in their aviation careers, securing graduate roles with Impellam Group and the opportunity to be based at Virgin Atlantic Heathrow as part of an 18-month graduate programme.
For Luc Davis and Carys Meaney, what began as an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a world-class airline engineering environment has now developed into the next stage of their professional careers. Working on assignment with Virgin Atlantic, the programme is designed to support their transition into the aviation engineering industry, providing valuable industry experience, structured development and the opportunity to progress into permanent roles at the end of the programme.
Turning opportunity into career success
The success of Luc and Carys reflects the strength of a growing partnership between The Air League, Virgin Atlantic and Impellam Group, which is helping to create meaningful routes into aviation engineering for the next generation of talent.
Through its Engineering Scholarship programme, The Air League connects aspiring engineers with industry-leading employers, providing opportunities that go far beyond work experience. Virgin Atlantic opens the door to real-world engineering environments, while Impellam Group supports the development of talent pipelines that help organisations address long-term skills shortages and create sustainable career pathways.
Together, the partnership aims not only to provide valuable industry exposure, but also to help talented young people gain the experience, confidence and networks needed to build successful careers in aviation. At a time when engineering skills are in high demand across the aviation sector, initiatives like these play a vital role in attracting new talent and demonstrating that careers in aerospace are accessible, rewarding and achievable.
"It's very rewarding to see Carys and Luc progress from Air League Engineering Work Placements into Graduate Apprentice roles with Virgin Atlantic. Their success is a testament to their talent, dedication, and the value of providing meaningful industry experience to aspiring aviation professionals. We're proud to have played a part in their journey and look forward to seeing the impact they make as they begin their careers at Virgin Atlantic."
For Luc and Carys, that collaboration has delivered exactly what it set out to achieve: an introduction to the industry, hands-on experience with one of the world’s leading airlines, and a clear pathway into the next stage of their aviation engineering careers.
"We are absolutely delighted to see two scholars offered positions with Virgin Atlantic. This is exactly why partnerships like this matter. Aviation engineering needs fresh talent, new perspectives and visible pathways into the industry, and these offers are a brilliant example of what can be achieved when organisations work together to remove barriers and create opportunity. At Impellam, we are passionate about helping employers build sustainable skills pipelines, while giving talented individuals the chance to launch careers in sectors where they can truly thrive. We wish both scholars every success as they take this exciting next step."
luc davis: continuing a family legacy
through aviation engineering
Luc’s route into aviation engineering was driven by a lifelong passion for aviation and a family background in engineering. Having previously been involved with The Air League through its flying scholarship programmes, the opportunity to undertake a placement with Virgin Atlantic’s highly regarded engineering team was one he couldn’t pass up.
During his placement, Luc rotated through a range of engineering environments, including line maintenance, base maintenance, structures and engine workshops. The variety of experiences gave him valuable insight into the day-to-day realities of airline engineering and helped him develop both technical knowledge and professional confidence.
The placement also proved invaluable when it came to
completing his studies and pursuing his next career step.
"The internship gave me hands-on experience and confirmed that aviation engineering was exactly the direction I wanted to pursue professionally. I'm fortunate enough to be joining as one of the Graduate Aircraft Technicians starting in August 2026, and I genuinely don't think I'd have been as well placed going into that application process without the experience behind me."
Luc credits the scholarship with helping him build practical knowledge, understand the culture of a major airline engineering operation and gain the confidence to succeed during the Virgin Atlantic recruitment process.
Now, he is preparing to begin the next stage of his engineering career through the graduate programme, building on the experience and industry knowledge gained during his scholarship placement.
Carys meaney: building confidence on live aircraft
Carys first discovered the scholarship through her studies and immediately recognised the opportunity it presented. Keen to gain experience on live aircraft and immerse herself in a real airline engineering environment, she applied for the programme and was delighted to be selected.
Throughout her placement, Carys worked across multiple areas of Virgin Atlantic’s maintenance operation, spending time on the line, in the hangar, and within both the engine and structures workshops. The experience gave her a comprehensive insight into aircraft maintenance and exposed her to the day-to-day responsibilities of an aircraft engineer.
One particularly memorable moment came while carrying out lock wiring on a Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine following a variable frequency generator service.
"It took me a few attempts to get it right, but the engineers were incredibly supportive and patient, encouraging me to keep going until I mastered it. Finally getting it right boosted my confidence and made me realise that I am capable."
Like many students entering a professional environment for the first time, adapting to a new workplace initially felt daunting. However, the welcoming culture and encouragement from Virgin Atlantic engineers quickly helped her settle in, ask questions and get involved with practical maintenance tasks.
The scholarship became a significant catalyst for her future career, motivating her through her final year at university and strengthening her determination to achieve her B1 licence.
Following graduation, Carys successfully secured a place on the graduate programme, allowing her to continue developing her engineering skills within the environment that inspired her during the scholarship.
"I feel proud to be an Air League Scholar. It was an opportunity that I didn't expect to receive, but it has turned out to be a significant step in my career."
inspiring the next generation
The journeys of Luc and Carys demonstrate what is possible when education, industry and talent development partners work together with a shared goal. Through the combined efforts of The Air League, Virgin Atlantic and Impellam Group, aspiring engineers are being given the chance to gain invaluable industry experience, develop sought-after skills and take their first steps into long-term aviation careers.
At a time when aviation engineering continues to face significant skills shortages, creating accessible pathways into the profession has never been more important. The success of these two scholars highlights the tangible impact of investing in young people and providing them with meaningful opportunities to learn, grow and thrive.
For anyone considering applying for an Air League scholarship, both Luc and Carys have a simple message: take the opportunity.
"If you are considering applying, just do it – it was one of the best decisions I have made."
"It's the kind of opportunity that gives back far more than you put in."
Their stories are a powerful reminder that today’s scholars can become tomorrow’s aviation professionals – and that the right partnership, support and experience can help make that journey possible.
