Two major partnerships have been unveiled for the UK’s first International Air & Space Training Institute, IASTI Newark.
East Midlands Airport, part of the Manchester Airport Group, has become an official partner of IASTI Newark, alongside award-winning supplier to the Ministry of Defence, Inzpire.
The two partnerships were agreed shortly before IASTI Newark welcomed its first students, who will learn the skills to launch careers in aerospace and aviation.
IASTI students will learn from industry experts with years of flying experience and get hands-on experience as they learn the skills needed to become pilots, engineers or flight dispatchers, leading to Level 3 Diplomas in Aviation Operations or Aircraft Maintenance.
The airport and Inzpire join the Royal Air Force, Aviation 360 and the Midlands Engine as key industry supporters of IASTI Newark, which is also supported by Newark and Sherwood District Council.
Tom Marsden, director of IASTI Newark said: “As the UK’s first international air and space training institute, we’ll be providing extraordinary training to students across the region. As such, we’re very proud to gain the support of East Midlands Airport.
“Meanwhile, the support of Inzpire will bolster our ability to prepare students for careers in the aerospace and defence industry, alongside our existing partnership with the RAF. Having supported the British military and the RAF as a trusted supplier for more than a decade, Inzpire has outstanding credentials and real world experience which will be of great benefit to our students.
“These new industry partners will enhance the learning experience of young people who study through IASTI Newark, by providing exciting enrichment activities and destinations for trips and visits. Learners will also get the chance to engage with a variety of industry experts as guest speakers and with Q&A sessions.
“Through these relationships, students will gain more insight into opportunities within the aviation sector and the employment options available to them once they have completed their training.”
The first IASTI Newark students were matriculated by Air Commodore Simon Harper in the presence of industry partners, local dignitaries and college representatives at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC).
For its first students, IASTI Newark offers three courses tailored for pilot, engineer or ground operations pathways.
The courses build students’ skills and knowledge in a wide range of fields ranging from flight planning, navigation and air law for pilots, to procedures for jet engine ground running for engineers, and aircraft marshalling for ground operations.
For those who don’t quite meet the entry requirements for the Level 3 diploma courses, there is also a one-year Level 2 IASTI feeder course. This is an engineering course with elements of the IASTI core curriculum and loads of industry activities and enrichment exercises.
It’s still possible for people to join IASTI, which is still accepting people who wish to transfer from sixth form to study pilot and engineering pathways this academic year, as well as applications for its level 2 feeder course. For information on entry requirements and enrolment, visit www.iasti-newark.co.uk/curriculum.
For its first year, students will learn from state of the art facilities at Newark College before IASTI Newark moves to a multi-million pound, purpose-built premises between Newark Castle and the A46 Newark Bypass.
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