Advancing Skills for the Future of Aerospace and Defence in the West of England

In light of the Defence Industrial Strategy launched this month, we are pleased to share an update on our ongoing commitment to delivering world-class education and training opportunities to the Aerospace and Defence cluster at the heart of Filton.

Weston College is on track to welcome our first cohorts of engineering learners at the Airbus site from September 2026, marking a major milestone in our mission to strengthen the skills pipeline for this globally significant sector.

Building on this progress, and in direct response to the Government’s Industrial Strategy, we are proud to be co-creating an exciting new collaborative skills initiative: The Aerospace and Defence Skills Academy.

The Aerospace and Defence Skills Academy

The West of England’s advanced engineering sector, anchored by our world-class Aerospace and Defence industries, recognises the urgent need to invest in developing a future-ready workforce. Whether through attracting new talent or upskilling existing teams, meeting these challenges is vital to unlocking future growth and national ambitions.

With digital transformation, the drive towards net zero, and greater cross-sector technology transfer reshaping the landscape, leading regional businesses and anchor organisations have come together to design solutions.

Inspired by a recent visit from the CEO of Skills England and fully aligned with the UK’s Industrial Strategy and Local Growth Plan, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, and GKN, alongside partners including the West of England Combined Authority, National Composite Centre, Business West, and Weston College, have begun shaping the vision for an Aerospace and Defence Skills Academy.

This initiative will build on the region’s strong track record in advanced engineering skills delivery, ensuring the sector remains at the cutting edge of innovation and capability.

A dedicated Steering Group of partners is currently exploring what the Academy will deliver, where it will be based, and how it will be funded. Given the cross-sector relevance of this project, multiple funding sources are expected, and in due course we will be seeking wider input and letters of support from partners to help shape and deliver the Academy. Collectively we believe this project represents a unique opportunity to create lasting impact for the region, the industry, and the country.