Developing Skills for Aerospace and Advanced Engineering
In light of the Government’s recently published Defence Industrial Strategy, Weston College is sharing an update on its ongoing work to support high-quality, education-led technical training in advanced engineering and aerospace-related disciplines across the West of England.
From September 2026, Weston College is on track to welcome its first cohorts of engineering learners at the Aerospace Skills Academy at Filton. This marks an important step in strengthening access to advanced technical education and developing skills that are transferable across aerospace, security, infrastructure and wider engineering sectors, including defence technology.
This work builds on the College’s established mission to deliver inclusive, future-focused education that responds to national skills priorities while supporting informed learner choice and ethical awareness.
The Aerospace Skills Academy
The West of England has a strong track record in advanced engineering and manufacturing. Continued investment in technical education is essential to ensure learners are equipped with the skills needed to work in complex, highly regulated and rapidly evolving technological environments.
As digitalisation, net zero ambitions and cross-sector technology transfer reshape engineering roles, partners from education, industry and regional governance have come together to explore how training provision can evolve to meet these challenges responsibly.
Inspired by a recent visit from the CEO of Skills England and aligned with the UK’s Industrial Strategy and Local Growth Plan, Weston College is working alongside regional employers and anchor organisations — including Airbus, Rolls-Royce and GKN — and partners such as the West of England Combined Authority, the National Composites Centre and Business West to shape the vision for an Aerospace Skills Academy.
The Academy is intended to be education-led and skills-focused, supporting learners to develop advanced capabilities in areas such as systems engineering, digital manufacturing, and sustainable technologies. Programmes will emphasise transferable skills, critical thinking and an understanding of the ethical considerations associated with working in sectors that include defence and security applications.
A dedicated Steering Group is currently exploring the scope, location and funding model for the Academy. Given the cross-sector relevance of the skills involved, a range of funding sources is expected. As the project develops, partners and stakeholders will be invited to contribute insight and support to help ensure the Academy delivers long-term benefit for learners, the region and the wider economy.
