Plans for a pioneering £12m (US$16.6m) 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 UK 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.
Jules Pipe, London’s deputy mayor for planning, regeneration and skills, said, “The mayor [Sadiq Khan] 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, commented, “We’ve been working closely with the GLA, 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.”
