Andy began his career at 18, joining the RAF as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, where he served for 23 years and reached the rank of Sergeant. His role took him around the world, gaining extensive engineering experience across a wide range of aircraft, including fast jets, heavy transport planes, passenger aircraft, and helicopters.
One of the highlights of Andy’s RAF career was his time at the Centre of Aviation Medicine, where he worked alongside Professor John Ernsting on trials using hyperbaric chambers to study Deep Vein Thrombosis, Hypoxia, Rapid Decompression, and Onboard Oxygen Generating Systems. This role demanded meticulous planning, budget management, and detailed reporting, giving Andy a strong sense of professional fulfillment.
After his military service, Andy transitioned to further education, beginning as a Program Manager for Aviation and Aerospace studies, teaching full-time students and apprentices employed by Serco. Now, as Project Manager of Cornwall Space & Aerospace Technology Training at Truro & Penwith College, Andy has developed the Space Technician Apprenticeship, showcasing it to students and colleges nationwide.
Andy’s passion for sustainability stems from his love of surfing and his connection to the natural environment. Coming from the high-polluting aviation sector, he is now dedicated to exploring and promoting solutions, through the Future Is Green project, that reduce carbon emissions. He collaborates with companies that are making technological advancements in sustainability, helping to drive continuous improvement in product design.
By working with the Carbon Literacy Trust, Andy is developing sector-specific presentations for the Space, Aviation, and Marine industries, engaging workforces to explore ways to reduce carbon footprints at every level of operation. His goal is to inspire sustainable change within these sectors, bringing his engineering background and environmental passion together for a positive impact.
Andy’s commitment to both education and sustainability makes him an invaluable asset to the SPF Future is Green initiative, helping to shape the next generation of environmentally conscious professionals.
Email: andysturt@truro-penwith.ac.uk
Telephone: 01872 267551
