18.02.09

EXETER College has won a £15,000 grant to help create new partnerships with the aerospace engineering industry.

Vocational education think-tank, the New Engineering Foundation (NEF), has awarded the funding so the college can carry out research and further develop training provision for maintenance and overhaul technicians in the South West’s aerospace sector.

This news comes as the House of Commons Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee (IUSSC) publishes the “Re-skilling for Recovery” report, in which it calls for closer links between education and business, to help people gain the specific skills they need to find jobs in the current downturn.

Exeter College Principal Richard Atkins said: “This NEF grant will be instrumental in upskilling the aerospace sector in the South West, increasing Exeter College and the whole further education sector’s collaboration with the aerospace engineering industry to enhance teaching and learning.”

Paul Shakspeare, Delivery Manager for Aerospace Training South West, said: “The aerospace industry in the South West recognises the opportunities that will emerge as closer links are built with the Further Education sector. This grant and the associated project are an important step towards a growing regional collaboration.”