Velocity Composites PLC, a leading supplier of advanced composite material kits to the aerospace and high-performance manufacturing sectors, is putting the next generation of engineers at the heart of its growth strategy.
The initiative, geared to inspire and nurture the sector’s future pipeline of talent is being spearheaded by Chief Operations Officer Oliver Smalley, reflecting Velocity’s commitment to skilling of young engineers and ensuring the aerospace industry has a pipeline of skilled technicians ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
Velocity are investing in T-Levels, a Level 3 qualification equivalent to three A-Levels, combining academic study with a substantial industry placement. Over a two-year programme, students gain both the theoretical foundations and real-world experience required for careers in advanced manufacturing and engineering. Modules range from materials science and design processes to machining, composites manufacturing, and welding technologies – all highly relevant to the aerospace and high-performance industries.
For Velocity, the benefits are clear. With its expertise in carbon fibre and ancillary material kits, the company recognises the value of embedding students directly into its operations, giving them hands-on insight into cutting-edge aerospace manufacturing.
“The future of our industry depends on the skills we develop today,” said COO Oliver Smalley. “At Velocity, we see T-Levels as a way to inspire the next generation – to show young people that a career in composites and aerospace is exciting, rewarding and central to solving real-world challenges. This is about giving students the confidence, capability and opportunities they need to thrive, while also ensuring our business has access to the skills it needs to grow.”
Smalley, who joined Velocity in February 2025 after nearly 15 years in aerospace leadership roles, emphasised that the initiative is not only about recruitment but about shaping culture.
“Building high-performing teams starts with how you nurture talent,” he explained. “By giving students direct experience in our facilities, they don’t just learn technical skills – they learn collaboration, problem-solving and continuous improvement. That mindset is vital to how we operate at Velocity, and it’s why we see T-Levels as a cornerstone of our long-term strategy.”
As Velocity continues to expand its global footprint, Smalley highlighted that investing in skills is fundamental to scaling the business sustainably:“If we want to keep growing internationally and meeting rising demand, we must have the right people in place. T-Levels help us build that foundation. This is creating a legacy of engineering excellence that will support the industry for decades to come.”
Velocity CEO Jon Bridges echoed the importance of this investment in future skills: “Our long-term success relies on the talent we develop today. With Oliver’s leadership around the introduction of T-Levels, we are embedding a strong pipeline of capability that will allow us to deliver on shareholder value, support our customers globally, and strengthen the UK’s position as a leader in advanced composites.”
By embracing the T-Level programme, Velocity Composites is positioning itself as an educator and enabler of the next generation of engineers. In an industry where innovation and precision are everything, ensuring a sustainable supply of skilled, motivated talent is proving to be one of the company’s most important investments.
