Plans for a pioneering £12m
Aerospace and Technology College at Biggin Hill Airport, in partnership with
London South East colleges, are set to become a reality with the Greater London
Authority (GLA) providing major funding for the project.
The new college will help address a
shortage of aerospace engineers and the wider skills needs of the aviation
industry by training the next generation of mechanical, electronic and service
engineers as well as technicians and ground crew professionals.
Commenting on the
initiative, Jules Pipe,
London’s deputy mayor for planning, regeneration and skills said: “The Mayor and
I are committed to helping Londoners gain the skills that the capital’s
businesses need. It’s vital that we tackle the skills gap in the aviation
industry and the London Aerospace and Technology College at Biggin Hill Airport
will help keep London at the cutting edge of aviation technology.”
|
Andrew Walters, Chairman
London Biggin Hill Airport, with Sam Parrett OBE, Principal and CEO
of London South East Colleges. |
Andrew Walters,
chairman, London Biggin Hill says: “We’ve been working closely with the Greater
London Authority, the London Borough of Bromley, and London South East Colleges
to create a state-of-the-art facility that will give students unique insight
into their future careers by training on site at the airport.
"Following a promise made three
years ago, and the introduction of our extended opening hours, I am delighted to
see this project come to fruition.
“As the fastest growing business
aviation airport in the Europe, our focus is on inspiring and training the
aerospace industry professionals of tomorrow and we’re delighted that with this
investment, our vision can now take flight.” |