Newark is going to be at the centre of training up the world's pilots, engineers and groundcrew
The £15 million pound Air & Space Institute officially opened today
It's hoped a new world class training facility in Newark will produce the future's pilots, engineers, and ground crew.
The £15 million pound Air & Space Institute officially opened today with a promise of helping more young people break into the ‘gated’ industry.
Students will get the chance to train on state-of-the-art simulations, virtual reality and actual aircraft.
The facility on Great North Road is already attracting student from across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire.
At the official opening on Friday (September 27), East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward (Lab) said it would put Newark on the map.
“It will let young people access an industry that’s traditionally been more seen as more elite,” she said.
“The sector has been gated for lots of young people, where people think they’ve needed the right connections or right kind of schooling.
“Working in partnership with the RAF, the ASI will produce young people who are ready and fit for the workplace.
“It will be a showcase for Newark and the wider region, and really put us on the map.”
The ASI can lead to students becoming pilots, aircraft technicians or ground-crew, as well as working with space and satellite technology.
Its centrepiece is an Airbus passenger jet, and it is part of the Lincoln College Group.
Mark Locking, Principal and CEO, said:
“We started on this pathway around seven years ago, and have broadened from an aerial defence college into aviation and space.
“It will be a beacon for Newark schools. Many young people have been leaving Newark to get their education – this will reverse that trend and raise aspirations locally.”
Ellie Ford, who is in her second year studying Aviation, Operations, Military Defence, is hoping to join the RAF.
“It’s difficult to get into the career in aviation in this region. There’s no opportunity quite like the ASI.
“With the planes, sims and VR, there’s so much experience I wouldn’t get anywhere else.”
Councillor Paul Peacock (Lab), leader of Newark & Sherwood District Council, said it would create “a real buzz in Newark”.
He added: “The area’s had a lack of investment over the years – this is a great piece of investment.”