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A pioneering new aviation skills academy set up to train and teach Teesside University students has now been officially launched.
Teesside International Airport has partnered with the University to develop the Teesside Aviation Skills Academy.
Part of the airport’s terminal building has been transformed into a dedicated facility for degree-level training and learning.
Students are now using the new facility and a launch event for the Teesside Aviation Skills Academy was held on Thursday attended by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, senior Teesside University leaders including Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr Warren Harrison and students.
The academy will provide a base from which students can learn on-the-job skills across a range of airport functions including air traffic control, management and engineering.
It will offer aviation students an immersive learning experience that allows them to explore the intricate workings of an airport.
Students will be provided with access to key areas of Teesside International Airport’s operations, from ground handling and air traffic control, to food and beverage and service delivery.
It will allow students to put into practice the theory they have been taught in the classroom and enhance their employability skills.
The academy will provide training across six key areas:
Students will be able to study a range of courses including Aviation and Tourism, Airline and Airport Management and Aviation Management.
The academy is a collaboration between the airport, Teesside University and Tees Valley Combined Authority and builds on the existing relationship between the airport and the university which has seen the airport host field trips and provide guest lectures.
Mayor Houchen said: “It is fantastic that we have delivered this superb teaching facility which already providing students with opportunities to learn essential real-world skills at our award-winning airport.
“This partnership with Teesside University is the first of its kind being located in the airport terminal itself and shows how organisations can work together to deliver innovative projects that can bring huge benefits.
“It is essential local people can benefit from well-paid, well-skilled jobs at our airport and this investment will help produce the next generation of employees ready to work across the airline industry.”
Acting Dean of Teesside University International Business School Dr Andrew Bingham said: “We are delighted to be working alongside the airport and Combined Authority to deliver such an innovative project which will add a whole new dimension to the student experience.
“We place students at the heart of everything we do, and the Aviation Skills Academy is a fantastic addition to the offer here at Teesside University International Business School.
Head of Department for Finance, Performance Marketing at Teesside University International Business School Beverley Boden added: “There are so many exciting and diverse career opportunities within the aviation industry and this new facility ensures our students are provided with the practical skills and experience they need to flourish.
“The feedback so far has been fantastic and I am delighted to see the Aviation Skills Academy open and providing a wide range of benefits for our students.”
The academy builds on separate developments at Teesside International Airport, with the first 22,658sq ft industrial unit at the £200million Business Park South close to completion alongside a new 1.5km link road to the development.
Work is also starting on a 27,000sq ft hangar development at Business Park North after planning approval was granted last month.
For further information on development opportunities and available property at Teesside International Airport, contact commercial agents Colliers or Dodds Brown.
