Cranfield University and ASP to explore ways to work together to support Aviation and Aerospace sector
The Aviation and Aerospace industry continues to face significant skills shortages. With the number of aircraft in service set to double by 2030 and airport expansion plans, the requirement for skilled people to support the industry is pressing and immediate. In a bold new initiative, Cranfield University and Aviation Skills Partnership (ASP) have agreed to collaborate and explore ways to ensure that we can support this need. The collaboration between Cranfield and ASP will inspire people to develop their careers in the sector and connect them with job opportunities in this high-technology, class-leading industry.
Cranfield University is exclusively postgraduate and a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management. It is home to many world-class, large-scale facilities including an airport with airline status.
Aviation Skills Partnership (ASP) was established in 2013 to identify, create, develop and implement the skills solutions that the aviation industry needs, in partnership with training organisations, employers, educators, and potential new or existing employees. ASP is dedicated to improving career opportunities across the six areas of aviation (Pilot, Air Traffic Control, Airport Operations, Operations & Crewing, Cabin Crew, and Engineering & Maintenance).
The collaboration will explore joint activities to be delivered via a planned partnership and will be aimed at creating a skilled and motivated workforce. The initiatives will include industry based activities at the growing campus at the only University based at an airport (and an iconic location to many in the industry) with exciting growth plans already announced. They will also enable people to be more aware of the careers available and then develop the academic, practical/industry and soft skills required through study and training programmes. It also allows employers of all sizes and nations to develop a structured approach to their talent pipeline.
Iain Gray, Director of Aerospace at Cranfield University said: "Cranfield has a long history in the development of future leaders in aerospace and aviation across the globe and has unique facilities to support research and teaching in these sectors. We are delighted to be working more closely with the Aviation Skills Partnership, building opportunities to foster innovation and helping to develop the next generation of leaders in the aviation sector.”
Simon Witts, Founder & Chief Executive at ASP said, “We are delighted to be collaborating with Cranfield University. It will enable us to work together on a wide range of programmes that will help young people achieve their dream of a career in aviation and in this excellent industry. We hope, through this collaboration, to also expand further the range of training offered via the International Aviation Academies that we are developing in the UK and overseas.”
Notes for editors
About Aviation Skills Partnership
Aviation Skills Partnership (ASP) is transforming the approach to skills and career development in the aviation sector. Operating across the six areas of aviation (engineer, pilot, air traffic, airport operations, cabin crew, operations, planning & crewing) ASP design, develop and implement a range of solutions to suit the needs of the industry from first aspiration to CEO.
The ASP team works at all levels to establish educational and skills pathways to develop people into aviation and those who are already working in the sector. Our team are dedicated to improving the education and training opportunities within the sector and establishing it as part of the wider aerospace community.
About Cranfield University
Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management.
