Cranfield University and Aviation Skills Partnership (ASP) have announced plans for a new Academy to meet the continued skill shortage within the aviation and aerospace industry. 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.
The International Aviation Academy® will be based at Cranfield Airport. The collaboration aims to inspire people to develop their careers in the sector and connect them with job opportunities in this high-technology industry.
The Academy will offer joint activities throughout ASP’s Pathways into Aviation, delivered by experts at the Cranfield campus. It also aims to make people more aware of the careers available and then develop the academic, practical and soft skills required through study and training programmes, enabling employers of all sizes to develop a structured approach to their talent pipeline.
Professor 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 announcing these plans with the Aviation Skills Partnership, building opportunities to foster innovation and helping to develop the next generation of leaders in the aviation sector.”
Sir Christopher Coville KCB, Chairman of the ASP Strategy Board said: "I am immensely proud that we are able to announce our plans to bring an Academy to this world-class University on a historic RAF base.
“As a nation, we need to respond to the massive demand for aviation specialists and we are delighted to be collaborating further with Cranfield University, enabling us to deepen our links 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 and Aerospace Academies that we are developing in the UK and overseas.”
Notes for editors
Established in 2013, Aviation Skills Partnership (ASP) is transforming the approach to skills and career development in the aviation sector via its Aviation Skills Manifesto. 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. www.aviationskillsfoundation.co.uk
About Cranfield University
Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management.
