A major new initiative to bolster the UK's aerospace and defence sector has been unveiled, with plans for a flagship Airbus skills academy to open near Bristol.
A Strategic Partnership for Skills
Weston College Group confirmed on Thursday, January 8, 2026, that it has signed a formal lease agreement with Airbus for a site at the aerospace giant's Filton base. The college will transform the building into a state-of-the-art training facility dedicated to advanced manufacturing and engineering skills.
The new Aerospace Skills Academy is scheduled to welcome its first learners in September 2026, coinciding with the start of the new academic year. Weston College describes the project as a "key strategic component" in responding to both the government's Industrial Strategy and the Defence Industrial Strategy.
Powering a Regional Economic Engine
The academy's location is highly strategic. The South West of England is home to a £2.7 billion aerospace cluster, which directly generates nearly 14,000 jobs within the West of England Combined Authority area alone.
Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, stated: "Signing this lease with Airbus is a transformational step in delivering world-class higher technical education that directly supports national and regional economic priorities."
The facility will operate as a centre for technical education and workforce development, with its curriculum and training specifically tailored to meet the evolving demands of employers in aerospace, defence, and advanced engineering.
An Employer-Led Curriculum
Central to the academy's mission is its direct link to industry. The employer-led curriculum will be co-designed by Airbus and a powerful network of partners, including:
- Babcock International Group
- GKN Aerospace
- MBDA
- NCC
- Rolls-Royce
- Regional SMEs
Learners will be trained in refurbished workshops and teaching spaces featuring upgraded digital infrastructure. The college emphasised the academy's purpose is to "strengthen the skills pipeline by aligning training provision directly with industry demand."
Simon Galpin, Airbus Head of Filton Site, said: "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."
