Weston College Group was proud to welcome senior representatives from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to its new Aerospace Skills Academy at Airbus, Filton, for a special visit highlighting the future of technical skills development in the region.

Visitors included Chris Barton CMG, Director for Local and International Growth at the Department for Business and Trade; Matt Cross, Deputy Director for Regions and Markets; Stefano Pucello, Regional Manager for Gloucestershire and Wiltshire; and Antony Marritt, Head of Enterprise, Inward Investment and Innovation at WECA.

The delegation toured the state-of-the-art facility, accompanied by Holly Stokes, Head of Early Careers at Airbus Filton, who joined Weston College Group leaders in showcasing how the Academy is helping to build a pipeline of highly skilled talent for the aerospace sector.

The visit provided an opportunity to discuss how further education providers, employers and regional stakeholders can continue to work together to strengthen skills infrastructure, support inward investment and create progression routes into high-value careers across the South West.

During the visit, Weston College Group also shared the recent announcement that it has been named as one of only four colleges nationally to be recognised as a Technical Excellence College for Advanced Manufacturing.

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

"It was a pleasure to welcome colleagues from the Department for Business and Trade and WECA to our Aerospace Skills Academy and to demonstrate the impact that strong partnerships with employers such as Airbus and others can have on developing the workforce of the future.

Being recognised as one of only four Technical Excellence Colleges for Advanced Manufacturing is a significant milestone for Weston College Group and reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional technical education that supports learners, employers and the wider economy."

Weston College Group continues to invest in specialist facilities and employer partnerships to ensure learners gain the skills, experience and confidence needed to thrive in advanced manufacturing, engineering and aerospace careers.