<p>Weston College and <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/#next">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a> have announced plans for an exciting new <strong>Skills Academy in the Aerospace &amp; Defence space</strong>, located at Airbus Filton, Bristol.</p><p>Set to welcome its first learners in September 2026, the <strong>Skills Academy</strong> will offer a unique, industry-led training environment designed to equip future engineers and technicians with the advanced skills required across aerospace, defence, and cutting-edge manufacturing sectors.</p><p>This £2.6 million project, developed in collaboration with key industry partners including <strong>Airbus, GKN Aerospace, Ministry of Defence and Rolls-Royce</strong> represents a significant milestone in Weston College Group’s mission to expand higher technical education and strengthen its position as a national leader in skills innovation.</p><p><strong>Engineering the Future</strong></p><p>The <strong>Skills Academy</strong> will provide learners with hands-on experience across fully equipped workshops, laboratories, and specialist learning spaces that reflect real engineering and manufacturing environments.</p><p>Planned facilities include:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Machine Shop&nbsp;</li><li>Maintenance Workshop&nbsp;</li><li>Fabrication Workshop&nbsp;</li><li>Engine Room&nbsp;</li><li>Electronics Lab&nbsp;</li><li>Hydraulics Lab&nbsp;</li><li>Aero Lab&nbsp;</li><li>Control Lab&nbsp;</li><li>CAD Suites&nbsp;</li><li>State-of-the-Art Classrooms&nbsp;</li><li>Lecture Hall and Newton Room for Career Events&nbsp;</li><li>Student Support Hub, Common Area, and Multi-Faith Room&nbsp;</li><li>Quiet Room, Locker Room, Showers, and Changing Facilities.</li></ul><p>With a strong focus on practical, project-based learning, the Skills Academy will enable students to engage with every aspect of engineering, from design and development to testing, problem-solving, and maintenance, within a live aerospace setting.</p><p><strong>Built Around Learners and Industry</strong></p><p>The <strong>Skills Academy</strong> is intended to deliver higher and degree-level apprenticeships while offering clear progression routes for full-time students already on <strong>Weston College’s</strong> engineering pathways. Learners will also have the unique opportunity to observe and engage with elements of the construction and fit-out phases, gaining valuable insights into project planning, site operations, and facility development.</p><p>Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said:</p><p>“This <strong>Skills Academy</strong> represents our commitment to innovation, employer collaboration, and delivering world-class technical education. By locating this facility at <strong>Airbus</strong> Filton, we are placing learning at the heart of the region’s engineering excellence, giving our students unparalleled access to the people, projects, and technologies shaping the future of aerospace and defence.”</p><p><strong>Connecting Education with Industry Needs</strong></p><p>The <strong>Skills Academy</strong> forms a central part of <strong>Weston College Group’s</strong> contribution to the <strong>Regional Aerospace and Defence Skills</strong> Initiative. It will help meet the growing national demand for advanced manufacturing and engineering expertise, ensuring learners are fully prepared to begin careers with leading employers such as <strong>Airbus, GKN Aerospace, Rolls-Royce and the Ministry of Defence</strong>, and other major engineering organisations.</p><p>Applications for September 2026 are open now. Please <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/engineering-and-construction/"… here</a> for more details.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/WCMT-ONE-ZZ-XX-DV-A-0002-P01-3D-Visual-Reception-and-Common-Rm.jpg" data-entity-uuid="026b3eab-d22b-4d26-a9f9-bbd7d6284307" data-entity-type="file" alt="Concept Arts for new centre reception" width="4961" height="3508"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/WCMT-ONE-ZZ-XX-DV-A-0003-P01-3D-Visual-Conference-Room.jpg" data-entity-uuid="3e03f0d2-5bf0-49d3-9025-5ae28b9a7ee3" data-entity-type="file" alt="Concept Arts for new centre" width="4961" height="3508"><p><em>All images are indicative concept renderings and are subject to further design development</em></p>

<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.&nbsp;</p><p>Tracie Leahy, Weston College’s Assistant Principal - Apprenticeships &amp; Skills said:</p><p>“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.”</p>

<p>Degree Apprentice Jack Lewis has been crowned the Association of Colleges (AoC) Apprentice of the Year at the annual AoC Conference and Exhibition, an event that celebrates exceptional students from colleges across England.</p><p>The national awards recognise individuals who have excelled academically while making significant contributions to their colleges, workplaces, and communities. As always, the competition was fierce, with a high volume of outstanding applications from across the country.</p><p>Jack is currently studying at <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/#next">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a>, following in the footsteps of UCW alumnus Kam Stevens, who previously won the Higher Education Student of the Year award at the AoC Awards in 2023.</p><p>A Level 6 Manufacturing Engineering degree apprentice working at Singer Instruments, Jack distinguished himself through the substantial real-world impact he has had on the organisation.</p><p>He introduced advanced 3D-printing technologies that transformed manufacturing processes, reduced environmental impact, and significantly cut production costs. His redesign of microscope components not only removed the need for hazardous chloroform but also reduced the unit cost from £24 to just 17 pence, dramatically improving both safety and efficiency.</p><p>Jack, said: "I’m incredibly proud to have been named Apprentice of the Year. It’s an amazing feeling to see the work I’m so passionate about recognised at a national level. I want to say a huge thank-you to the engineering and apprenticeship teams at Weston College and UCW for their support and belief in me throughout my journey. I’m also grateful to everyone at Singer Instruments for giving me the opportunity to learn, innovate, and make a real impact."</p><p>Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, added:</p><p>“We are delighted for Jack – his outstanding work truly deserves this recognition. Jack has set a new benchmark for what apprenticeships can achieve. Starting as a BTEC placement student, he returned as Singer Instruments’ first Level 6 engineering apprentice and has since driven transformative innovation.</p><p>“Congratulations, Jack. We look forward to seeing your career continue to thrive.”</p><p>If you would like to follow in Jack’s footsteps, you can <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships?utm_source=ma… our apprenticeships here</a>.</p>