A FORMER student at Warrington’s Priestley College, who is just weeks away from becoming a fully qualified commercial airline pilot, returned to his roots to speak to youngsters who have the ambition to follow in his footsteps.
Rob Lees who left the college only two years ago is on course to pass out of Flight Training Europe in Jerez, Spain with his commercial licence before embarking on a career in the cockpit. His first role is likely to be as a first officer with a leading airline.
While at college, Rob was a keen member of Priestley’s Aviation course and he was delighted to pass on his thoughts and experiences to the latest set of youngsters who want to follow the same dream.
He was able to talk at great length about the commitment and dedication needed to succeed at Jerez, Europe’s number one flight training school, and left the students under no illusions about how tough it is to make it in the industry.
Rob said: “My best advice for any potential pilots out there is to take in all the information available, particularly from the experts in their field at Priestley. You also have to be very motivated and dedicated to the end goal and wherever possible immerse yourself in all things to do with aviation.
“I found it personally useful to spend a year working in the industry before embarking on my training. Having spent time as cabin crew I was able to pick up invaluable experience and also professional contacts which will help in my career.”
Brian Fiddler, who works with students on the college’s aviation programme, said: “I was delighted to welcome Rob back to Priestley – it was a very nice gesture on his part, particularly taking into account he was only back in Warrington for a very short time.
“Our students now have a real sense of the hard work, dedication and long hours they will have to put in, if they are to have a similar level of success.”
Rob Lees is pictured with current students on Priestley College’s aviation programme.
