Step-Up and University of Ulster graduate  Emmet Diver has proved that success does come to those who follow their dream, when he recently qualified as a pilot with FlyBe.

Emmet, who attended St Brigid’s College in Derry, joined the University’s Step-Up programme in 2002, said it was during his participation in the programme that he realised he wanted to attend university, “I can’t thank Step-Up enough for the opportunity that has been presented to me.  The programme helped me to develop academically and as a person in general. I was guided to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ulster, which has led to me being chosen to train as an airline pilot.”

Emmet is in the process of completing his Commercial Pilots License with FlyBe in Milton Keynes. He will then receive Type Rating training at FlyBe’s Headquarters in Exeter to fly the FlyBe Dash 8 Q400.

Emmett said, “The job itself can provide challenges along the line, be it weather in the flight path, volcanoes erupting or passengers taking ill on board during the flight. It’s during these times when the training you have received kicks in.”

The Director of Step-Up, Dr Damian O’Kane, said “From the first day that Emmet joined the Step-Up programme he has talked of being an airline pilot. He has worked extremely hard through Step-Up and university to achieve his dream and is a good example of what young people can achieve when given an opportunity to access Higher Education.”