Perth College UHI Offers Unique Opportunity Through Brunei Partnership

Perth College UHI’s aircraft engineering course has received the Royal seal of approval after an international partnership was agreed with the Sultan of Brunei’s aircraft organisation.

Around 20 students will arrive in Perth, Scotland, from Brunei to study on the UK’s only course still offering graduates the opportunity to work in European airspace. Students on the course are also being given the opportunity to work with Loganair on the latest zero emission technology, which includes plans to fly electric-powered planes.

“The Ministry of Education sponsors the students chosen from Brunei to study the engineering course in Scotland and they are then expected to return to Brunei to work as EASA approved aircraft engineers after their graduation,” said Lin Shen, Team Leader International at Perth College UHI. “The degree is now in its third year, and we have never had an overseas partnership of this scale for this course.”

Perth College UHI’s wholly owned partner, Air Service Training (Engineering) (AST) holds both UK CAA and European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) approvals, allowing the degree programme to be classified as an approved course for producing engineers qualified to maintain UKCAA and EASA registered aircraft both in the UK and across the world. The formal partnership with ‘His Majesty’s The Sultan’s Flight’ also has the backing of the Brunei Ministry of Education, giving the country’s students unique access to the University of the Highlands and Islands BSc Hons Aircraft Engineering and Maintenance degree, delivered by Perth College UHI.

The course is the only one of its kind in Scotland and students graduating from Perth College UHI will, once sufficient in-industry experience has been logged, become a licensed aircraft engineer, responsible for certifying the work carried out on aircraft, systems, and equipment. It is delivered in conjunction with AST.

Jennifer Brickwood, Sector Development Director at Perth College UHI added: “The course is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society, which is testament to the standard of the programme, and has also been commended for its innovative programme structure. “

The course includes a module on sustainable aviation, which equips students with the skills needed within a transition to a green economy as part of both the UK and Scottish governments net zero targets. Once students graduate there is an opportunity for some to use the skills learned in their degree to work with Loganair on sustainability projects and contribute to the green economy.

In a new phase for the college, the Aviation Academy for Scotland (AAS) is being created. The aim of this centre is to train people to meet the needs of the whole aviation industry including air traffic control, pilot, engineering and licensed engineer training.

The first stage of the building feasibility study for the development on the Crieff Road campus has been completed, with initial designs drafted to ensure that the new building will deliver the skills for the future of the aviation industry and other engineering sectors.

The AAS project is part of the Tay Cities Deal - a partnership between the UK and Scottish governments along with public and private organisations across Angus, Dundee, Fife and Perth and Kinross that together will invest up to £700 million in projects promoting sustainable and inclusive prosperity for the region.