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closeup of laser cutter making sparks

Aerospace Skills Academy at Airbus, Filton

Training the Engineers of Tomorrow

Opening in September 2026, the Aerospace Skills Academy at Airbus, Filton is a brand-new, industry-led campus developed by Weston College Group in partnership with Airbus and leading engineering employers.

Designed to meet the skills demands of the aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing sectors, the Academy offers hands-on learning in a real aerospace environment - preparing learners for high-value engineering careers.

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artist impression of the enternace
artist impression of classroom/lecture hall
aritst impression of communal area
artist impression of the enternace

Industry-Led. Career-Focused

Located within the Filton aerospace hub, part of a £2.7 billion regional aerospace cluster, the Academy places learners at the heart of engineering excellence.

Developed with industry partners including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace, MBDA, Babcock International Group, NCC and regional SMEs, the campus delivers training aligned directly to employer needs.

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  • Facilities that reflect real industrial settings 
  • Employer-designed curriculum shaped by leading aerospace organisations 
  • Hands-on, project-based learning using industry-standard equipment 
  • Clear progression routes from Level 3 apprenticeships to higher and degree-level study 
  • Machine, maintenance and fabrication workshops 
  • Engine room and specialist labs (electronics, hydraulics, aerodynamics and control systems) 
  • CAD suites and advanced learning spaces 
  • Modern classrooms, lecture theatre and student support facilities
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LATEST NEWS

Stay up to date with all the latest announcements from the Aerospace Skills Academy

Future Engineers Wanted: Weston College Unveils Plans for £2.6m Skills Academy at Airbus Filton

Weston College Group and Airbus Sign Lease for Aerospace Skills Academy at Filton

Engineering Advisory Event to Strengthen Employer Collaboration

College supports future skills dialogue at WEAF Bristol & Bath Cluster Meeting

Take the Next Step

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Ready to start your career in engineering?

Engineering Apprenticeships
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Looking to develop future talent or offer apprenticeships?

apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk

LATEST PROGRESS ON THE BUILD

February 2026 

Work is progressing well at the Aerospace Skills Academy (ASA), Filton, with key milestones now underway across design, site preparation and employer engagement. 

What’s Happening Now 

  1. The full design team and contractor RED Construction are in place, with early site works due to begin. 
  2. Initial on-site surveys and investigations are underway to prepare for the main build phase. 
  3. Curriculum teams are working directly with designers each week to ensure facilities reflect real industry needs, informed by ongoing employer feedback.

Building for Industry 

  1. Planning activity is on track, including travel planning to support apprentices and learners. 
  2. Equipment planning and space layouts are being finalised to support specialist engineering and aerospace training. 

The Academy remains firmly on track to deliver a world-class, industry-led engineering training facility, supporting apprenticeships, workforce development and future talent for the aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors. 

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