Trainees from The Hub recently completed their work experience at Yeovil's Leonardo site.
They returned with completion certificates and invaluable practical experience.
The Hub, renowned as one of the South West's most dynamic organisations for individuals with learning disabilities and autism, sent six trainees to Leonardo's Yeovil site.
During the experience, the trainees learned about the manufacturing and technical aspects required at the home of British helicopters.
Leonardo, with a history of nearly 80 years, is the UK's only end-to-end rotary wing capability and manufactures helicopters at its Yeovil site.
Adam Clarke, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, said: "It was fantastic to host the Hub trainees at our site and to see them experience our facilities first-hand.
"The Hub trainees' enthusiasm and engagement was immensely rewarding for everyone involved."
Founded in 2010, The Hub supports over 70 trainees from the local community, aiming to enhance their independence, life skills, confidence and quality of life.
Collaborations with firms like Leonardo put these trainees at the heart of real-world scenarios, expanding their skill set and understanding.
The two-day work experience gave the trainees the opportunity to participate in practical activities, from a search and rescue scenario where they had to create a protective container for an egg, to a chance to take a simulated pilot's view in the AW101 Helicopter, under the guidance of Dr Miles Barnett, senior test pilot.
The trainees also toured the Electrical Manufacturing Centre and transmissions area, gleaning insights into the regions where aircraft wiring and gearboxes are fabricated.
The work experience concluded with an informal award ceremony where the trainees received completion certificates from Adam Clarke.
CEO of The Hub, Ken Comber, said: "We are so grateful to Leonardo for this unprecedented immersive work experience opportunity and their continued support to the Hub.
"The impact on our trainees is immense.
"It helps with both their learning development and social engagement.
"It also improves their confidence and wellbeing.
"Most importantly, the trainees loved it!"
Oran Hosey, STEM Committee Work Experience Lead, added: "It was so rewarding to see the trainees' confidence grow as they moved through the programme".
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