Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) brought together leading engineering employers on Wednesday 19 November 2025, for a high-level Engineering Technical Advisory Board session, which was aimed at shaping the future of technical education across the region.

The event was hosted at GKN Aerospace, Bristol, and focused on strengthening collaboration between industry and education to ensure that training, curriculum design, and skills development continue to meet the needs of the local engineering and advanced manufacturing sectors.

The session provided employers like Airbus, Babcock, GKN Aerospace, Ministry of Defence NCC, Rolls Royce and Safran with the opportunity to directly influence how the Weston College Group prepares the next generation of engineers and technicians. Discussions explored how businesses can help co-design future-focused curriculum pathways, support industry placements, and inspire learners to pursue rewarding careers within aerospace, defence, and wider engineering industries.

The Advisory Board is part of Weston College’s broader commitment to working together with employers to develop specialist training that reflects real-world challenges and emerging technologies. Insights gathered will also inform future programmes delivered through the College’s growing engineering portfolio, including its planned Aerospace Skills Academy.

By bringing together key partners, from major primes to SMEs across the supply chain the event created a shared space for discussing skills needs, innovation opportunities, and workforce challenges. Employers had the chance to highlight priority areas such as digitalisation, advanced manufacturing, sustainable engineering, and the evolving requirements of the aerospace and defence industries. 

Tracie Leahy, Weston College’s Assistant Principal - Apprenticeships & Skills said:

“Employer collaboration is vital to ensuring our engineering provision remains relevant, responsive, and future-ready. This event was designed to bring industry expertise to the forefront, enabling us to co-create training that truly supports economic growth, productivity, and long-term skills development across the region.”