ENTRIES are open for a scheme that aims to give young people a foot in the door of the aviation industry.

Cotswold Airport’s scholarships were launched a decade ago by the airfield’s owner former RAF engineer Ronan Harvey, as a way of giving them an insight into the whole industry, not just flying.

And last year it was enhanced with backing from Gulf Aviation, allowing the organisers to add in more site visits, including Bristol Airport, drone tuition and an increased number of flying hours.

Mr Harvey’s daughter Suzannah, who is chief executive of the Kemble airfield, said: “We’re thrilled to be running our Aviation Scholarship programme in what is going to be a very special and significant year in the history of aviation and the military.”

The programme is open to teens from 14 to 18 years old from Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire area who are keen on everything relation to aviation and it covers all aspects of the industry, not just flying. It also introduces them to the people who can help them in their careers.

Ms Harvey said the sponsorship provided by Gulf made it possible to improve the programme for all the students who took part.

She added: “I’d encourage any young person with an interest in a career in aviation to apply for a place.”

Running over two weeks, it offers educational trips to companies like Rolls-Royce and to RAF Cosford, the home of RAF aeronautical engineering and technical training. Students have the opportunity to fly in aerobatic and jet aircraft as well as gliders and helicopters.

Previous students have found careers in different parts of the industry from engineering to commercial flying.

This is the 11th year of the scheme and 2018 marks the centenary of the RAF as well as the end of the First World War.

To celebrate the anniversaries the best performer in this year’s course will be given the chance to be trained for the private pilot’s licence, with the scholarship providing the funding.

It aims to get those taking part to make contacts in the industry, build friendships with fellow enthusiasts and take their first steps towards their career.

The deadline for applications is March 30. After that 20 candidates will be selected for interviews on April 21.

The 10 successful students will take their places on the course on August 6.

Founder Mr Harvey arrived at the former RAF Kemble in 1995 when he moved a business onto the airfield. He formed Delta Jets, which was famous for its fleet of historic Hunter jets and was behind the first civilian organised Kemble Air Day.

Visit cotswoldairport.com for more information and to apply.