Aerospace excellence celebrated at Coachmakers’ Aerospace Industry Dinner 2025

The Coachmakers’ annual Aerospace Industry Dinner, held on Thursday 13th November at the historic Barber-Surgeons’ Hall, once again highlighted the remarkable talent emerging across the UK’s aerospace and aviation sectors. With a record number of award applications – many arriving even before formal advertising – the evening showcased the dedication, ambition and diversity of young engineers pursuing careers in aerospace.

Throughout the reception, it was clear that the Livery’s scholarships and mentoring programmes are not only opening doors for early-career engineers but also having a sustained impact, with awardees sharing heartfelt testimonies about the transformational support they have received.

University awards: Supporting academic excellence and ambition

The first set of presentations honoured students from seven partner universities, each supported in project work, research, or specialist training.

The Lockheed Martin UK University Scholarship was awarded to Daniel Isaacs, a stand-out graduate of Brunel University now completing an MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering at Cranfield. Daniel, an Arkwright scholar and former Leonardo UK placement engineer, used the funding to advance project work aligning with his space-focused ambitions. He expressed deep gratitude for “a unique opportunity to lead and direct a project aligned with my ambitions.”

The Airbus Defence and Space University Scholarship recognised Idris Kerboub, an MEng Aeronautical Engineering student at City University of London. Idris, equally committed to space engineering and high-level sport, will use the award to fund software, hardware and conference participation supporting his additional project work and outreach efforts.

The Sir Sydney Camm Scholarship was presented to Charles Issa Kaamuli, an Imperial College aeronautical engineering student, who was recognised for exceptional academic achievement and resilience. Growing up in Peckham, Issa overcame significant challenges to achieve three A* A-levels and now uses the award to reduce his work hours and focus on third-year studies and outreach initiatives.

The Sir Frederick Handley Page award was presented to Herbie Christophers, who has recently completed his Masters degree at Imperial. Known for his inventive engineering – from building high-precision watches to launching a solar sail demonstrator – Herbie is pursuing opportunities to return to the space sector with renewed momentum.

The Eric Beverley Scholarship was awarded to Joshua Langfield, a PhD researcher at Queen Mary University of London specialising in supersonic vortex interactions. The funding enables him to present two papers at the AIAA SciTech Conference in Florida, a vital platform for his early-career research development.

Engineering awards: Enabling skills, licences and hands-on expertise

The engineering awards celebrated those entering the industry through practical and vocational routes.

The Aerotron Scholarship went to James Troman, a trainee maintenance engineer at Aerotech, whose commitment and professionalism shone through. James emphasised the profound confidence boost the award had given him as he works towards his B1/B2 licence.

The Lockheed Martin UK Engineering Award was presented to Charles James, an apprentice engineer at Ryanair Stansted who has taken it upon himself to study and pass Part 66 licence modules despite demanding shift work. His determination to progress independently made him a particularly inspiring recipient.

The Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown Scholarship – honouring the legendary naval test pilot – was awarded to Conner Petty, an aircraft engineer with Multiflight and former warbird engineer at Duxford. Conner is also Deputy Chief Pilot of the Real Aeroplane Collection and is restoring a vintage Auster. The award accelerates his progress toward completing his B1 licence by 2026.

The Victor Gauntlett Scholarship recognised Harvey Harrison, an apprentice at Oriens Aviation who began his engineering journey restoring steam engines. Harvey has used the award to begin early study for his Part 66 licence, further fuelling his ambition to qualify by age 21.

Finally, the Sir Geoffrey de Havilland Scholarship was awarded to Emma Wood, Delivery Manager and Ground Crew at Aero Legends. Her passion for vintage aviation – deeply rooted in family history – will now be furthered through a Tiger Moth PPL scholarship, supporting her planned transition into aircraft maintenance.

A night that reflected the future of aerospace

Throughout the evening, guests heard moving accounts from award winners whose paths have been shaped – and in some cases transformed – by Coachmakers’ support. From cutting-edge space engineering to vintage aircraft restoration, the 2024–25 awardees demonstrate a powerful blend of technical ability, determination and community spirit. Their achievements reflect not only their own potential but the Livery’s expanding commitment to nurturing the next generation of aerospace professionals.