Weston College Group’s Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College welcomes first learners to new industry-focused campus

Today marks a major milestone for technical education in the South West as Weston College Group's Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) officially opens for business, welcoming its first cohort of apprentices to its new industry-standard campus in Filton.

Nearly 800 apprentices will begin in its first week of operation. The opening represents the culmination of months of planning, investment and collaboration between Weston College Group and leading employers from the aerospace, engineering and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Situated on Airbus' Filton site, the facility has been transformed into a specialist training centre dedicated to developing the next generation of engineers, technicians and manufacturing professionals. The campus features industry-standard workshops, modern teaching spaces and the latest digital infrastructure designed to replicate real-world manufacturing environments and provide learners with valuable hands-on experience. £4 million invested in the transformation of the site, AMTEC represents one of the most significant recent investments in technical education for the advanced manufacturing and aerospace sectors in the South West.

Located in the heart of one of the UK's most significant aerospace and advanced manufacturing hubs, AMTEC will deliver specialist training aligned to employer needs, working closely with industry partners including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace and Babcock to ensure apprentices develop the skills required by modern industry.

The opening comes following Weston College Group's designation as one of England's Technical Excellence Colleges, enabling additional investment in training for high-demand sectors and strengthening links between education and industry. Through employer-led curriculum design and close collaboration with major manufacturers, AMTEC aims to address skills shortages while creating clear pathways into high-value engineering and manufacturing careers.

As one of four colleges that form the national AMTEC partnership, alongside City of Wolverhampton College, Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group and New College Durham, the Weston College Group will also contribute to a wider programme of collaboration focused on strengthening advanced manufacturing education across England.

Pat Jones, Principal and CEO of the Weston College Group, said:

"Today is an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved in the creation of AMTEC. After months of hard work, planning and collaboration, it is fantastic to finally welcome our first apprentices into this outstanding new facility.

"AMTEC has been created to give learners access to world-class technical education in the heart of one of the UK's most important aerospace and advanced manufacturing communities. By working closely with employers, we will ensure our apprentices develop the practical skills, technical expertise and industry experience needed to thrive in their careers.

"This is not only a significant milestone for Weston College Group, but also for the wider region as we help build the skilled workforce that will support the future growth and success of aerospace, engineering and advanced manufacturing."

Sue Partridge, Airbus Commercial Aircraft UK Country Manager, said:

“The future of the aerospace industry relies on developing the next generation of talent who are crucial to keeping our industry ahead of the game. Apprenticeships are a key part of that so we’re absolutely delighted to be hosting the AMTEC on our Filton site. The dedicated training facility will provide workshops and teaching spaces that mirror our industrial environment, supporting the development of skills and talent to meet aerospace industry needs. Filton has a long and proud history within the UK’s aviation story, and this collaboration reinforces our ongoing commitment to investing in local talent, creating high-value career pathways, and supporting the South West’s thriving aerospace ecosystem.

The new campus represents a significant investment in the future of technical education and the region's economy. With the South West home to one of Europe's largest aerospace clusters, AMTEC will help strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals entering the industry, supporting innovation, productivity and long-term economic growth.

The opening of AMTEC marks the beginning of an ambitious journey to establish the college as a centre of excellence for technical education, helping apprentices gain the skills employers need today while preparing them for the industries of tomorrow.