Stansted Airport College has opened its doors to almost 300 students who will study at the brand-new facility.
First purpose-built on-site college at a major UK airport
The £11 million technical skills college is the first purpose-built on-site college at a major UK airport and the only Further Education facility in Uttlesford.
Boosting STEM subjects and technical skills
Courses on offer are specifically chosen to bridge the regional skills gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects as well as specific airport roles in aircraft and airport engineering, business studies, logistics and supply chain management, asset management, hospitality and customer service.
The college can train up to 500 people each year in technical skills, traineeships and apprenticeships and will play a crucial role in providing London Stansted Airport with skilled on-site workers, with qualifications offered by Harlow College.
Jonathan Oates, Corporate Affairs Director at London Stansted Airport said “The opening of this fantastic new facility is the culmination of four years of work between London Stansted and Harlow College, and we are delighted to welcome so many students through our doors. This exciting partnership has really taken off and will enable us to build up the kind of skill base that we will need to meet the demand for growth here at London Stansted, whilst also providing a huge range of possible career paths for young people in Uttlesford and further afield.
Karen Spencer, Principal of Harlow College said “Harlow College is proud to support the development of London Stansted Airport with the new college at Stansted. We firmly believe in providing students with a clear line of sight to the workplace and excellent career opportunities. The college provides a bridge between young people and employers, as well as supporting our region’s economy. We are so excited to have welcomed our new trainees this week – this is where their careers will take off!”
Travel card scheme
Stansted Airport College trainees have access to a generous travel card scheme currently offered to London Stansted Airport staff, which offers discounts of up to 80 per cent on bus, coach and rail travel, making studying at the college accessible to students from a wide area.
£7.9million in funding
The two-storey facility has been built on a one-acre site on land made available by the airport near the long-stay car park and Novotel Hotel. The project received two separate £3.5 million grants from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) Local Growth Fund and Essex County Council, £600,000 from Harlow College and is also supported by a £300,000 grant from Uttlesford District Council.
Technical and Professional Skills Centre at Stansted Airport
Find out more about this project here.