Weston College Group is entering an exciting new chapter for technical education following its recognition as one of only four Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs) for Advanced Manufacturing in England.

As it prepares to open its flagship technical training facility at Airbus Filton this September, the College has unveiled its new identity: AMTEC – the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College.

Previously announced as the Aerospace Skills Academy (ASA), the new name reflects both the College's new Technical Excellence College status and feedback from employers, who said the facility's curriculum, partnerships and opportunities extend far beyond aerospace into the wider advanced manufacturing sector.

The announcement follows Weston College being named one of only four Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs) for Advanced Manufacturing in England; a government designation recognising excellence in delivering the higher technical skills needed by one of the UK's fastest-growing industries. The status will help strengthen the region's skills pipeline while supporting economic growth and meeting employers' future workforce needs.

Based at Airbus in Filton, AMTEC will continue to work closely with employers across aerospace, engineering, composites, defence and wider advanced manufacturing, delivering apprenticeships and technical education from Level 2 through to degree level.

The decision to launch the new facility as AMTEC followed extensive discussions with employer partners, who highlighted that while aerospace remains central to its identity, its facilities, expertise and curriculum will support businesses across the wider advanced manufacturing sector.

The College is also excited to announce newly appointed Vice Principal Andy Smith to the AMTEC team, who brings more than 36 years' experience across aerospace and advanced manufacturing. He joins Weston College Group from GKN Aerospace, where he served as Programme Director for the Airbus single-aisle programme, having also held senior roles with Airbus and BAE Systems.

Having begun his own career as an apprentice with British Aerospace, Andy understands the transformative power of technical education and apprenticeships.

Andy Smith said:

“I am delighted to be joining Weston College Group at such an exciting time. AMTEC gives us an opportunity to build on the College Group's strong reputation in aerospace while creating a centre of excellence that supports the wider advanced manufacturing sector.

"Having started my own career as an apprentice, I understand first-hand the importance of creating opportunities for people to develop, grow in confidence and succeed. I am looking forward to working with outstanding staff and employer partners to help develop AMTEC into a nationally recognised destination for technical education."

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

"Becoming a Technical Excellence College for Advanced Manufacturing was a defining moment for Weston College Group, and launching the new facility as AMTEC reflects that ambition.

"The name better reflects the breadth of industries we will support. Aerospace remains a core strength, but our employer partners made it clear the opportunities extend across the wider advanced manufacturing sector.

"We are creating something truly distinctive for learners, employers and the wider region. Together, our Technical Excellence College status, world-class facilities and employer partnerships position us to become one of the UK's leading centres for advanced manufacturing skills."

When it opens this September at Airbus Filton, AMTEC will provide industry-standard learning environments designed alongside employers, helping more learners access high-quality technical education while supporting the workforce needs of businesses across the South West and beyond.

Opening this September, AMTEC will provide industry-standard training facilities designed with employers, helping develop the skilled workforce needed by advanced manufacturing businesses across the South West and beyond.