Representatives from Weston College Group attended the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, strengthening relationships with leading employers and exploring the latest innovations shaping the future of aerospace, aviation, and advanced manufacturing.

Over two days, members of the College's Strategic Partnerships team met with key industry leaders, including Airbus, ADS South West and a range of employers from across the aerospace and manufacturing supply chain. Discussions focused on developing new partnerships and creating opportunities that will support learners at the College's new Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Centre (AMTEC), which opens this September.

The visit highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancement across the sector and reinforced Weston College's commitment to ensuring learners are equipped with the skills, knowledge and experiences required to succeed in future-facing careers.

Tracie Leahy, Programme Director TEC and National Partnerships at Weston College Group, said:

"Farnborough International Airshow provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with some of the world's leading aerospace and engineering organisations. As we prepare to open AMTEC, these conversations are invaluable in helping us understand the evolving needs of industry and ensuring our curriculum remains relevant, responsive, and ambitious.

"Our employer partnerships are at the heart of everything we do. By working alongside industry leaders, we can create meaningful opportunities for learners and help develop the highly skilled workforce that the sector needs for the future."

The visit included exclusive tours of the Emirates Airbus A350, the Airbus A400M, and a range of exhibits showcasing cutting-edge technologies that are transforming the aerospace and manufacturing industries.

Lynsey McKinstry, Skills Partnership Manager Weston College Group, added:

"Attending an event of this scale reinforces the importance of aligning education with industry. Seeing aircraft that our learners help to manufacture through our employer partnerships in Filton was a proud moment and a powerful reminder of the impact further education can have on people's lives and careers.

"AMTEC represents a major investment in the future of technical education in the South West, and opportunities like this help ensure our learners benefit from the very latest industry insight, innovation and employer engagement."

Key discussions throughout the event focused on future skills requirements, sustainability, digital technologies and strengthening pathways into high-value careers across aerospace, engineering and advanced manufacturing.

The visit supports Weston College Group's commitment to connecting learners with world-class employers through its Careers Excellence Hubs, employer partnership network and industry-led curriculum. As the College prepares to launch AMTEC, Farnborough International Airshow 2026 provided a valuable platform to build relationships, identify emerging trends and ensure learners are equipped to thrive in one of the UK's most innovative and rapidly evolving sectors. 

The opening of AMTEC this September marks a significant milestone for technical education in the South West, creating new opportunities for learners to gain the specialist skills that employers need today and in the future.