Aviation expert returns to ‘where it all began’

When Roger Page was last at the college The Beatles were just a fledgling band trying to make a name for themselves.

A lot has changed since his 15 year old self began a Junior Engineers course here in 1960, and Roger has gone on to have a long and distinguished career in the aviation industry.

He has provided the engineering and technical expertise to support the establishment of three major airlines, restructured five others and held senior positions with many more.

Now 80, he decided to visit us recently to share his remarkable story with our current crop of engineering apprentices and students.

Revisiting great college memories

He was welcomed by Principal Kevin O’Hare, engineering course leaders and apprenticeship assessors, who showed him around our facilities.

Roger said: “I contacted Kevin to see if I could visit the college, at the good age of 80, to rekindle memories of what I consider a great period of my life.

“I have been lucky and have had what I would consider an interesting life, more in reality a vocation. And  I wanted to introduce myself as a person who was not an exceptional student by any means.

“The facilities at the college today are very much in accord with the expectations of what is now needed to promote the skills of young people.

“In my day, when it was Keighley Technical College and School of Art, it was also good for its time. We also used the Mechanics’ Institute for additional lessons such as photography and vehicle technology, as well as metal work.”

Inspiring the next generation

Roger, who secured an apprenticeship at Rolls Royce Aero Engine Division Barnoldswick after his year in Keighley, enjoyed speaking to some of our engineering apprentices who are working with local firms.

Principal Kevin said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Roger, who has gone on to have such an illustrious career since studying at the college all those years ago, and show him around our engineering facilities.

“It was truly inspirational for our engineering apprentices and students to meet him and hear about his success, which shows just what is possible.

“Roger has done some amazing things in engineering, particularly in connection with SpiceJet India, so to hear from someone who has ‘walked the walk’ was really something special.

“Such visits play a key role in motivating our learners and we would be delighted to welcome him back any time.”

As an Airline Facilitator in technical support and engineering, Roger racked up a long list of impressive achievements over his career and travelled to 85 countries. Reflecting on his role, he said: “It was all about creating teams, setting up processes, and procedures, acquiring staff and aircraft.”