Another soaring success! 200 preschoolers explore the wonders of aviation with Ogier and Jersey Child Care Trust

More than 200 nursery children from across Jersey embarked on a unique journey of discovery, learning about aeroplanes and the thrills of flight, as part of a dedicated programme offered by Jersey Child Care Trust in partnership with Ogier.

Designed to introduce young minds to the wonders of aviation, the Ogier Engineer programme captures the imaginations of preschoolers to create meaningful memories that will last a lifetime. The programme is part of a long-running collaboration between the Jersey Child Care Trust (JCCT) and Ogier.

Over the last six months, children in 10 island nurseries engaged in the programme which combines activities with hands-on learning experiences delivered by Ogier Engineers and JCCT colleagues. Fuelled by children's fascination for aeroplanes, the programme is a door to rich STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) learning for even the youngest of minds. 

The programme began in March with a fun and interactive training session for 20 Ogier volunteers, our Ogier Engineers of 2024. During the session, the volunteers mastered the art of making paper planes, tested out crafts, and learnt some Makaton sign language to help communication and songs in preparation for their visits to local nurseries. 

Nicola Carroll, Ogier's Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, said: "The Ogier Engineer programme offers an exciting and unique volunteering experience and is always popular among our colleagues. It's also an opportunity for Ogier to support JCCT's 'Help a Life Take Flight' campaign, which enables every child in Jersey to have access to nursery care, including those with disabilities, development needs, and those from low-income families."

Following the training session, the Ogier Engineers accompanied JCCT colleagues in pairs to visit island nurseries. Speaking of the experience, Ogier Engineer Hayley O'Donoghue said: “The Ogier Engineer programme is a truly rewarding experience, from seeing the children's faces when you first walk through the doors to the interactions you have participating in the activities together. In one word, I would describe the programme as enriching.”

All the nurseries involved have expressed how beneficial the programme has been in sparking children’s interest. One nursery manager commented: "The Ogier Engineer programme inspired a sense of wonder and curiosity that we haven’t seen before in the children. The children were so engaged in all the activities and continued to benefit from the experience days and weeks after the visit extending their learning into all aspects of their play."

Thanks to the support and navigation of the Ogier Engineers, each nursery group also had the opportunity to jet off to an exclusive destination – a behind-the-scenes tour of Jersey Airport, hosted by the Ports of Jersey. On this captivating and interactive adventure, the children learnt about what happens at the airport, got to sit in a small aircraft and explore the fire engines stationed at Jersey Airport. 

Alice Bennion, Programmes and Services Director at JCCT, said: "The Ogier Engineer programme is an engaging experience for aspiring aviators. It's more than just aeroplanes. It's about igniting a passion for exploration and learning and helping more children's lives take flight.

"Our partnership with Ogier has not only lent us crucial support for the programmes we deliver within the community. It has also fostered a truly rewarding experience for Ogier Engineers and some of the youngest members of the Jersey community and is an incredible platform for children, Early Years Practitioners and corporate volunteers to connect, inspire, and learn from one another."