A MAGAZINE that aims to inspire youngsters to take off in aerospace careers has been launched.

Skypath is set to fly into of S2, S3 and S4 classrooms.

It comes after South Ayrshire Council teamed up with local industry to produce the publication which will showcase the opportunities, employers and apprenticeships available to pupils at Prestwick Aerospace Campus.

The publication is funded by local aerospace companies following an £80million investment through the Ayrshire Growth Deal.

It includes types of jobs available, salaries, tips for climbing the career ladder and advice on choosing relevant subjects at school are all covered inside, as well as routes into the industry at different levels.

Key players in the industry including Spirit Aeroesystems, GE Caledonian, BAE Systems, Collins Aerospace Woodward, Chevron, NATS and Etek have also contributed articles offering information and advice.

School kids will be able to read stories from inspiring real life employees, from award winning apprentices and technicians travelling the world, to home grown aeronautical engineers and senior managers, to air traffic controllers.

Councillor Brian McGinley, portfolio holder for economic development, tourism and leisure said the new magazine will highlight the exciting career paths available on the aspiring youngster’s doorstep.

He said: “Prestwick Aerospace Campus is Scotland’s largest aerospace hub and home to some of the world’s biggest aerospace companies.

“The new Skypath magazine highlights the huge variety of exciting career paths which will be available to them in the aerospace and space sectors, right here in Ayrshire.”

South Ayrshire Council Economic Development Service Lead Theo Leijser, whose team produced the magazine believes Skypath will prove “inspiring” for young people.

He said: “Many young people are perhaps unaware of the thriving aerospace industry we have here in Ayrshire and the future opportunities it can offer them. Skypath is full of inspirational case studies about real people’s careers, often involving travel or working abroad and enjoying great lifestyles. By showing them what’s on offer and giving advice on key subject areas, Skypath will help young people to start planning now for a very rewarding future”

It is anticipated that Skypath will become a long term project.