Aero Engineering courses set for take off

Peterborough Regional College are anticipating an upsurge in interest in their engineering manufacturing programmes as a result of a major new partnership. The College has been selected by the UK’s leading UK Defence Company, BAE Systems, to help train a new generation of technical staff in the provision of aircraft maintenance. The scheme, which is due to start in August, will mean that in the coming year up to 48 students from the Peterborough area will have the chance to receive bespoke training on behalf of BAE.

BAE Systems are the leading UK defence company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence, security and aerospace systems in the air, on land and at sea. The group is the 3rd largest global defence company in the world, employing more than 105,000 highly skilled people. It has major operations across five continents and last year annual sales were in excess of £18.5 billion.

Due to continuing commitments overseas, the Royal Air Force has taken a strategic decision to base the majority of its technical support staff overseas. However, UK bases will continue to be operational and to support them BAE Systems have been tasked with providing aircraft maintenance services. This new initiative represents a significant contract for BAE Systems.

To meet the inevitable need for additional trained staff, the company sought out College’s which it felt had the appropriate expertise in engineering and partnership working with employers.

Speaking about the partnership David Ashton, Head of Aircraft Maintenance Services for BAE Systems, said “We’re delighted to be working with Peterborough Regional College along with The College of West Anglia and Lincoln College in these new partnership agreements, which enable long term growth of our Aircraft Maintenance Function and strengthens our future Capability”.

Peterborough Regional College’s Deputy Principal, Angela Joyce went onto comment “This is an exciting new partnership for the College and a testimony to the engineering expertise of our staff. BAE Systems are a global player and we are extremely proud that we have been chosen as a training provider by them. The programmes that will result from this partnership will offer a fantastic opportunity to our students and provide a welcome boost to engineering in the Peterborough area.

BAE Systems will be exhibiting at the College’s forthcoming Open Day on Wednesday April 1st between 5pm and 8pm.