Leicester College has received planning approval from Leicester City Council to construct a state-of-the-art aeronautical skills centre at its Abbey Park Campus.
The £5.4 million facility, spanning 8,611 square feet (800 square metres), is set to be completed by summer 2025 and will provide Level 4 and 5 technical skills programmes to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the aeronautical and aerospace industries.
The two-storey building will be located near the college’s motor vehicle engineering building and is expected to commence construction in August 2023. The centre will feature workshops, propulsion labs, aerodynamic labs, avionic and instrumentation laboratories, and collaborative working spaces. It will be equipped with industry-standard aeronautical and space specialist equipment, including wind tunnels, turbo jet trainers, and flight simulators, providing students with hands-on experience and training.
Addressing the Skills Shortage
Leicester College’s new aeronautical skills centre aims to tackle the significant skills shortage in the aeronautical and aerospace sectors. The facility will offer Level 4 and 5 technical skills programmes and apprenticeships, enabling students to develop the necessary expertise to excel in these industries. According to planning documents, there is a pressing need for young people to join the industry, with predictions indicating that England will require more than 10,000 additional aerospace engineers by 2033.
The college secured a substantial £4.9 million grant from the Office for Students, the regulator of higher education, to fund the construction of the aeronautical skills centre. Leicester College has also contributed £500,000 towards the project, demonstrating its commitment to investing in the future of aeronautical education and training.
The new facility will enable Leicester College to support the extensive regional network of employers and stakeholders in the aviation industry. By providing cutting-edge training and education, the college aims to build a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of these sectors. Principal and CEO of Leicester College, Verity Hancock, expressed her delight at receiving the green light for the project, stating, “When completed, the site will house industry-standard aeronautical equipment in a learning environment that will inspire the next generation of aviation and engineering professionals.”
Leicester College’s new £5.4 million aeronautical skills centre represents a significant step toward addressing the skills shortage in the aeronautical and aerospace industries. With its state-of-the-art facilities, industry-standard equipment, and comprehensive technical skills programmes, the centre is poised to play a crucial role in training and inspiring the next generation of aviation and engineering professionals.
TLDR:
- Leicester College to build a £5.4 million aeronautical skills centre at its Abbey Park Campus
- The 8,611 sq ft facility will offer Level 4 and 5 technical skills programmes and apprenticeships
- Equipped with industry-standard equipment, including wind tunnels, turbo jet trainers, and flight simulators
- Aims to address the skills shortage in the aeronautical and aerospace industries
- Funded by a £4.9 million grant from the Office for Students and a £500,000 contribution from Leicester College
- Set to support regional employers and stakeholders by building a skilled workforce for the future
