Weston College secures major new investment linked to Aerospace Industry

Weston College has secured significant new investment to deliver advanced manufacturing training, marking a major win for Weston-super-Mare and the wider region’s skills and jobs pipeline.

The funding - linked to the UK’s world-leading aerospace sector, including Airbus- will support high-quality technical education and help young people access well-paid, skilled careers in advanced manufacturing.

The successful bid was delivered through close collaboration between college leaders, local MPs and regional partners, with Weston playing a leading role in bringing this investment to the South West.

Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston-super-Mare and a member of the Business and Trade Select Committee, took the case for Investment in Weston to Ministers, and pushed to ensure Weston did not miss out.

Welcoming the announcement, Dan Aldridge MP said:

“This is a huge moment, Weston College continues to deliver for our people and is showing real leadership in skills excellence across our region.

“I’m incredibly proud to see the College win this funding. It shows what happens when local leadership and national government are pulling in the same direction.

“My dad worked at Airbus, so I know first-hand how important this industry is to our region and our country. I can’t wait to see more young people in Weston gaining world-class skills and going on to great careers right here at home.”

As part of this investment, Weston College has also been named a Technical Excellence College for Advanced Manufacturing, placing it at the forefront of delivering the next generation of high-level technical skills.

Pat Jones, Principal and CEO at Weston College Group, said:

“We are incredibly proud to have been recognised as a Technical Excellence College for Advanced Manufacturing. It reflects the quality of our provision, the strength of our employer partnerships, and our commitment to delivering the skills industry needs.

“This has been a true partnership effort. With the support of employers like Airbus, Rolls-Royce and GKN Aerospace, we are ensuring our training is industry-led and preparing learners for high-value careers in advanced manufacturing.”

The recognition forms part of a wider national programme, with 19 Technical Excellence Colleges backed by £175 million of government investment. Together, these colleges will provide around 65,000 learners with access to training for high-demand roles across advanced manufacturing, clean energy, defence and digital technologies, at a time when an estimated 600,000 additional workers will be needed in these sectors by 2030.

The recognition also builds on Weston College’s ambitious expansion plans, including the £2.6 million Aerospace Skills Academy on Airbus’s Filton site, opening this September, which will significantly increase training capacity and provide access to cutting-edge facilities.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, added:

“This is fantastic news for our region. Weston College becoming a Technical Excellence College shows what we can achieve when we work together and make a strong case to government.

“Advanced manufacturing is central to our past, present and future, from Concorde to today’s world-leading aerospace sector. This investment will ensure more people can access the skills they need in world-class facilities and support the continued growth of one of the UK’s most important industries.”

The investment will strengthen links between education and industry, support local businesses with a highly skilled workforce, and create clear pathways into high-quality employment for young people across Weston and the wider region.

This marks another major step in positioning Weston as a hub for skills, innovation and opportunity in the South West.