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August 5, 2025 Home The Charity News Wales Air Ambulance ‘delighted’ to relaunch its Future Flyers scheme at Ospreys in the Community event.

Wales Air Ambulance ‘delighted’ to relaunch its Future Flyers scheme at Ospreys in the Community event.

5 minute read

Wales Air Ambulance has relaunched its Future Flyers scheme for young people at a community engagement event in Swansea.

The Charity was among several agencies who collaborated with local schools and businesses as part of an Ospreys in the Community event, at 223 Sqn, 157 (Welsh) Regiment RLC in West Cross on Wednesday, 9 July 2025.

Attendees took part in a range of activities to help them explore different career pathways, including volunteering.

Rhian Jackson, Volunteer Development Coordinator said: “What an incredible day! It was fantastic to have the opportunity to meet with so many wonderful young people.

“They were all very keen and eager to learn about our Charity and the volunteering / career opportunities open to them.”

She continued: “I don’t think many people realise the way in which volunteering can help them have an advantage when applying to college or university or going for a job.

“As a young person it is often difficult to break through into the work of work, with employers favouring candidates with experience, it leaves candidates struggling if they haven’t had a job.

“That’s where our Future Flyers scheme can save the day. One it boosts your CV with valuable experience as a volunteer. Shows you are a self-starter, community-minded and committed to helping others.

“I know those are the kind of qualities I love to see in the people I work alongside.”

The critical care provider collaborated with the RNLI, South Wales Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, along with 3 Royal Welsh, the Royal Engineers, 160 Brigade and 157 TLC.

The event was organised by Melissa Sartain, Ospreys in the Community’s Education and Employability Lead Officer.

She said: “This event was a brilliant example of meaningful collaboration between schools, charities, and the wider community.

“It provided a fantastic opportunity for learners to engage with a range of activities and explore different career pathways and work opportunities.

“It’s been a privilege to be part of something that not only brought people together but also inspired the next generation.”

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with military personnel and carry out command tasks and receive an insight into military life with 223 Sqn, 157 (Welsh) Regiment Royal Logistics Corp based in Swansea.

Sergeant Adrian Robinson said: “It’s been great to host the Ospreys in the Community event at our base in Mumbles.

“As a lead recruiter for the army reserve in Wales, it is important for us to support and be part of things like this.

“We are the only logistics regiment in the whole of Wales, and we cover South Wales and North Wales. So, Cardiff, Swansea, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and then all the way up to the top of North Wales, where we are in Queensferry.”

He continued: “Part of recruitment is also engagement within the community and that is why we are proud to be able to support this incredible event, here at the ARC in West Cross.”

Over eighty young learners from schools across South West Wales took part in a variety of activities.

Judith Davies, is Pupil Support Officer at CCYD School in Bridgend: “Our pupils are so lucky to be able to come out of school to be able to attend an event where they can have hands on experience and speak to those involved with the services.

 “There were some preconceived ideas before we arrived, but they soon went out the window. Our team has learnt a lot. Their practical and problem-solving skills, the things they need for employment have come to the fore.”

Danielle Clatworthy Literacy and Numeracy Coordinator and Tackle lead from Porthcawl Comprehensive school said: “It is an amazing experience for the kids to have, they can learn all about the Air Ambulance potentially if they want to have a career working for it in the future.

“There are not many places you can go where so many agencies are in one place this has been brilliant for them all.”

Critical Care Practitioner Mark Allen brought along a Rapid Response Vehicle and showed pupils the kit clinicians carry onboard both the helicopter and RRVs.

Mark who has been working for the service for ten years said: “These sorts of events are so important for young people, a real opportunity for them to find out about what is out there.

“Most young people don’t know what they want to do when they are just embarking on their GCSEs.

“I think coming to an event like this where they can speak to us, the police, the fire service, the RNLI, and army it can just sow those little seeds and hopefully they will grow into bigger ideas.”

Rhian added: “We hope that the Ospreys in the Community event has inspired all those who attended and given them a new perspective on working in the Charity sector too. 

“This has been an incredible platform for us to be able to introduce our Future Flyers scheme! It is the perfect opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends.

“Every volunteer who signs up will be given a passport which will open the gateway to vital training in areas such as CV writing, personal finance, career planning and interview tips.

“A reference can also be offered to volunteers who can display commitment, good timekeeping, great people skills and reliability. This pack can then be taken to any interview as proof of key skills required in employment. “

If you would like to find out more about the Future Flyers scheme follow this link Application for Future Flyers Scheme – Wales Air Ambulance