A group of Derby teenagers are being given flying lessons by the crime reduction charity Nacro as part of an innovative new pilot project designed to re-engage young people who have dropped out of mainstream education.

Many of the 16 to 18 year-olds on the Nacro Air League Flying Scheme have achieved few or no qualifications and are not in education, employment or training (NEET). This project is designed to boost their confidence and skills through a more practical approach to learning.

During the six week course, the group are learning to fly glider aircrafts at RAF Syerston. In addition to this, they take part in team building challenges, learn about the RAF and are taught basic literacy and numeracy skills. The aim is to help young people move on to further training or employment.

Seventeen year-old Michael Freeman is one of the young people taking part. He says: “I left home at fifteen and ended up sleeping rough for a few months. I dropped out of school, so I didn’t get any qualifications. I was going through a really tough time and felt like I had no direction in life.”

“Coming on this course has just been amazing, it’s been so much better than I was expecting. I really enjoy the physical aspects of the course, as I’m quite an active guy. Flying the glider over Belvoir Castle was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. I feel much more positive about the future now and I’m determined to get a job when I finish here.”

Nacro Training Organiser Thom Young is running the project. He says: “Gliding is something many of the young people will not have experienced before so the project provides an opportunity to do something different and interesting. If this pilot goes well, Nacro will look a rolling the scheme out in other parts of the country.

“Both Nacro and the Air League have successful track records in engaging with young people and by combining our skills we can create excellent opportunities for them. We feel confident that this will provide huge benefits to the young people taking part and to the general public though the positive contributions these young people can and will make to society.”

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Nacro is holding a press day for the project on Thursday 5th November at RAF Syerston, Flintham, Nottinghamshire NG23.

Young people taking part in the scheme (including Michael) will be flying planes on the day and will be available for filming/photos/interviews. Nacro Training Organiser Thom Young will also be available along with chief flying instructor at RAF Syerston, Chris Heames.

If you would like to attend, please contact Rachel Whitehead, Nacro Media and Communications Officer on 0207 840 7218 or 07528970900 rachel.whitehead@nacro.org.uk