Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) have announced plans for an exciting new Skills Academy in the Aerospace & Defence space, located at Airbus Filton, Bristol.

Set to welcome its first learners in September 2026, the Skills Academy will offer a unique, industry-led training environment designed to equip future engineers and technicians with the advanced skills required across aerospace, defence, and cutting-edge manufacturing sectors.

This £2.6 million project, developed in collaboration with key industry partners including Airbus, GKN Aerospace, Ministry of Defence and Rolls-Royce represents a significant milestone in Weston College Group’s mission to expand higher technical education and strengthen its position as a national leader in skills innovation.

Engineering the Future

The Skills Academy will provide learners with hands-on experience across fully equipped workshops, laboratories, and specialist learning spaces that reflect real engineering and manufacturing environments.

Planned facilities include: 

• Machine Shop 
• Maintenance Workshop 
• Fabrication Workshop 
• Engine Room 
• Electronics Lab 
• Hydraulics Lab 
• Aero Lab 
• Control Lab 
• CAD Suites 
• State-of-the-Art Classrooms 
• Lecture Hall and Newton Room for Career Events 
• Student Support Hub, Common Area, and Multi-Faith Room 
• Quiet Room, Locker Room, Showers, and Changing Facilities.

With a strong focus on practical, project-based learning, the Skills Academy will enable students to engage with every aspect of engineering, from design and development to testing, problem-solving, and maintenance, within a live aerospace setting.

Built Around Learners and Industry

The Skills Academy is intended to deliver higher and degree-level apprenticeships while offering clear progression routes for full-time students already on Weston College’s engineering pathways. Learners will also have the unique opportunity to observe and engage with elements of the construction and fit-out phases, gaining valuable insights into project planning, site operations, and facility development.

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said:

“This Skills Academy represents our commitment to innovation, employer collaboration, and delivering world-class technical education. By locating this facility at Airbus Filton, we are placing learning at the heart of the region’s engineering excellence, giving our students unparalleled access to the people, projects, and technologies shaping the future of aerospace and defence.”

Connecting Education with Industry Needs

The Skills Academy forms a central part of Weston College Group’s contribution to the Regional Aerospace and Defence Skills Initiative. It will help meet the growing national demand for advanced manufacturing and engineering expertise, ensuring learners are fully prepared to begin careers with leading employers such as Airbus, GKN Aerospace, Rolls-Royce and the Ministry of Defence, and other major engineering organisations.

Applications for September 2026 are open now. Please click here for more details.

All images are indicative concept renderings and are subject to further design development

Last month, Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon & Somerset Police, Clare Moody, came into Weston College Sixth Form to deliver a guest lecture to our A Level Criminology students regarding her experiences and journey into the police.  

Clare has an extensive background in politics, working as a Member of the European Parliament in a range of committees, from Security and Defence, to Industrial Strategy, Research and Energy, and Gender Equality. She was also the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Equally Ours where she worked to combat equality issues. Clare has had many high-profile roles responding and resolving political issues and crisis before she became the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Avon & Somerset Police in 2024. 

During the guest lecture, Clare covered a wide range of key police issues including the priorities set out in the Police and Crime Plan, highlighting how her office works to ensure local policing reflects the needs and concerns of the community.  

She described her role as the Police and Crime Commissioner as the public voice of policing, acting as a bridge between the community and the police. She ensures the police are following rules, keeping the community safe, and supporting victims of crime, as well as guaranteeing the performance and strategic direction of policing to improve the criminal justice system. 

Additionally, Clare ensures that the force is held to account through independent panels and oversight of the Professional Standards Department. She also discussed her commitment to improving the police response to domestic violence, sharing that she has funded a detailed review into how Avon & Somerset Police handle these cases, with the aim of identifying and driving forward meaningful change. 

This invaluable insight gave our students a more in-depth look into a career in the police, giving them a better understanding of the protocols, roles and responsibilities, and plans for future improvements within the constabulary. 

Guest lectures are a great way for students to connect with employers and ask more specific questions to industry professionals. They allow students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world events and listen to first-hand recounts of experiences within the role. This gives them a better idea of their options after completing their course and the qualifications and pathways required to achieve their goals. 

A big thank you to Clare Moody for taking the time to visit our students and share her experiences, acting as an excellent example of perseverance and resilience. 

This guest lecture forms part of the Sixth Form Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.  

Progress to the next level in Criminology and Public Services! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here! 

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career. 

Students on Weston College’s UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design have recently completed an impactful project titled “Visual Rebellion: The Rule Breakers”, showcasing their creativity and critical thinking through bold artistic exploration. 

The UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design is a 1-year pre-degree course designed to give students the opportunity to trial a wide range of mediums before specialising. It is completely free to all students, allowing you to get a foundation diploma which you often get at university. It provides valuable time for learners to refine their skills, explore their interests, and prepare for progression into higher education or creative industries.  

The project encouraged learners to break formal rules in art and design, using their work to express authentic beliefs and challenge social, political, and personal conventions. Themes explored included political and social issues, personal experiences, and the boundaries of scale and material use. 

Throughout the project, students investigated influential artists who cover topics such as propaganda, war, corruption, and exploitation. The aim was to provoke thought, foster creativity, and stimulate dialogue through art that carries personal meaning and relevance. 

The first part of the project focused on research, including a trip to Bristol and seminars on research methodologies. Learners explored five avenues of “Visual Rebellion”, collecting imagery and presenting their findings digitally. 

Over the following weeks, students rotated through specialist pathways including Surface & Form, Interdisciplinary Fine Art, and Visual Communication, breaking the project down into three different outcomes of the Visual Rebellion theme across the 6-week period. Students also took part in practical workshops which offered hands-on experience in digital media, printmaking, 3D design, collage, lens-based work, and illustrative sewing. This was a fantastic opportunity for them to trial a range of mediums and figure out which form of art was their preferred pathway. 

Each learner maintained a record of their journey through sketchbooks and personal blogs, documenting research, workshop outcomes, and reflections which built their portfolios and showcased the effort and research gone into their artwork. The project concluded with a thorough evaluation of each pathway and the overall experience. 

This course is a fantastic opportunity for students who are unsure what they want to do and who fancy exploring new ways to express themselves through art. Whether you have formally studied art before does not matter too much on this course, all you need is to have completed a Level 3 course and have a passion for creativity. 

Well done to all the students and the amazing work they have produced so far! 

This project forms part of the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. 

Progress to the next level in Creative Arts! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here!

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.