First International Training Hub Launches in Newark

England’s first International Air & Space Training Institute (IASTI) was cleared for take-off at the virtual launch of IASTI Newark. At the online event, hosted by Lincoln College Group, the Royal Air Force (RAF) signed up as an official partner, and additional talks are underway with further major global industry partners.

IASTI Newark will deliver education and training co-designed with industry to fit career pathways in world-class facilities, and students will be trained utilising the latest equipment with expert tutors. It will produce pilots, engineers and ground crew to plug skills and capacity gaps, facilitating the post-pandemic surge in the aviation sector, which is expected in the next 18-months. The sector is also undergoing a period of innovation, investment and transformation to hit net-zero carbon emissions targets, and students will be immersed in sustainable aviation developments as part of their courses.

What is the role of simulation in training for space operations? Find out in  Simulation a Key Element for Safety in Space, the Riskiest Environment.

Guests included the Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick, Midlands Engine Chairman Sir John Peace, Newark Towns Fund Chairman Tom Cartledge, and RAF Air Marshal Andrew Turner. The creator of IASTI, Simon Witts, CEO of independent aviation consultancy Aviation 360, was also a guest.

In August 2020 IASTI project was selected by Newark & Sherwood District Council to go forward for funding as part of the Town Investment Plan and the lead project in the Towns Fund Bid. Newark & Sherwood has been allocated it’s full £25m request, which paves the way for building work to start on IASTI Newark in 2022, with the building opening in 2023. School-leavers can now apply for pilot, engineering and ground-crew courses designed with industry to fit job roles in the air and space sector starting in September.

Lincoln College Group CEO Gary Headland said: “School-leavers will benefit from industry-designed courses from level-three through to degree-level, enabling them to enter the aviation industry fully qualified as commercial and military pilots, engineers and ground crew.

“Our IASTI degree courses will draw students from all over the UK to live and study in and around Newark, continuing the economic regeneration of the town and the region. “This ground-breaking new approach to training in the sector will dramatically widen participation, opening up highly skilled, exciting and lucrative careers to people from all backgrounds.”

The IASTI Newark is the first of a national network to open, and advanced talks are underway for more in other parts of the UK.