Airbus and
Weston College Group have signed a formal lease agreement for the new Aerospace Skills Academy at Airbus’ Filton site, marking a significant step in strengthening the UK’s aerospace and advanced engineering skills base. The agreement will see Weston College transform an existing building into a dedicated training facility for advanced manufacturing and engineering, with the Academy scheduled to open in September 2026.
The initiative is a key component of efforts to support the UK’s Industrial Strategy and the Defence Industrial Strategy, both of which highlight skills development as critical to maintaining global competitiveness. The South West’s £2.7 billion aerospace cluster makes Filton an ideal location for this investment in talent and innovation.
Pat Jones, principal and chief executive of Weston College Group, said: “Signing this lease with Airbus is a transformational step in delivering world-class higher technical education that directly supports national and regional economic priorities.”
Major investmentSimon Galpin, head of Airbus’s Filton site, added: “The Aerospace Skills Academy represents a major investment in the future of UK aerospace and advanced engineering. Working with the Weston College Group, we are creating a pipeline of highly skilled talent that supports national capability, regional growth, and the long-term competitiveness of our industry.”
The Academy will serve as a flagship centre for technical education and workforce development, aligning training provision with industry demand. Its employer-led curriculum will be co-designed with Airbus and partners including Babcock International Group, GKN Aerospace, MBDA, NCC, Rolls-Royce, and regional SMEs. This collaboration aims to ensure learners gain the technical expertise and experience required for high-value engineering roles.
Inclusive access and clear progression routes will be central to the Academy’s approach, enabling learners to advance from Level 3 apprenticeships to higher and degree-level qualifications. Refurbished workshops and teaching spaces will feature upgraded digital infrastructure and sustainability-focused systems, mirroring real industrial environments to provide hands-on experience that prepares graduates to contribute immediately to the aerospace and defence sectors.