During 11 years in the RAF as an aircraft engineer servicing helicopters, Hawks and Jaguars, David Chapman discovered a love of teaching and graduated from Wolverhampton University with a first-class degree in design and education. He joined Aston University Engineering Academy (AUEA) in 2016 as vice principal and is now head of the University Technical College where, alongside his responsibilities for teaching and learning, he continues to be involved in the combined cadet force (CCF), channelling his twin passions of education and engineering to prepare students for rewarding careers.