London Stansted Airport (www.harlow-college.ac.uk) have been given the go-ahead to build a new technical skills college at the airport.

Building work on the college — said to be the first of its kind at any airport in the country — is due to start this autumn, with the college opening in time for the autumn term next year.

The £11 million college has received two separate £3.5 million grants — from the Local Growth Fund of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) and from Essex County Council.

Over 500 young people and adults are expected to receive training at the college each year, and it is hoped that the college will provide a constant stream of talented individuals looking for careers at the airport or in the wider aviation industry.

Courses will be designed to tackle the skills gaps in STEM subjects and in areas such as aircraft and airport engineering, business studies, logistics and supply chain management, asset management, hospitality and customer service.

Andrew Cowan, CEO of Stansted Airport, said: “Securing, developing and retaining the right talent and skills is critical to our business, our 200 on-site business partners and the long-term prosperity of our region.

“We are delighted that SELEP has recognised the potential of a technical and professional skills centre at Stansted.”

Cllr David Finch, leader of Essex County Council, said: “We’ve pledged to double the county’s economy to £60 billion a year by 2025. Our £3.5 million grant towards the new technical skills college will go a long way to helping that vision become a reality.”