Plans announced for ‘airport’ college at Stansted

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The first of its kind in the UK, the college will train over 500 young people and adults each year in technical skills, traineeships and apprenticeships. Courses will be designed to plug skills gaps across STEM, including relevant specialised topics such as aircraft and airport engineering, business studies, logistics and supply chain management.

“Securing, developing and retaining the right talent and skills at a growing airport like Stansted is critical to our business, our 200 on-site business partners and the long term prosperity of our region,” said Stansted Airport CEO, Andrew Cowan.

“Over the last two years we have worked in close partnership with the SELEP Harlow College and Essex County Council to develop and deliver an on-site further education facility which will help to address the growing skills gap in areas like engineering, logistics and customer service and develop a pipeline of employees fit for future growth at the airport.”

The two-storey campus will be located close to Stansted’s long stay car park, directly opposite the Hilton Hotel. Alongside STEM-focused syllabuses, qualifications will also be offered in hospitality and customer service to help deliver a workforce for both the airport and the many businesses that operate there. If the planning process is successful, construction is due to start in the autumn, with the first intake of students due in September 2018.

“We are delighted to be working with London Stansted Airport on this innovative new project,” said Karen Spencer, Harlow College principal and chief executive.

“We live in an exciting place and London Stansted is at the heart of a key region for economic growth. By working alongside Stansted’s business partners we can provide young people and adults with the right skills to give them great careers, whether it be in aviation, engineering, hospitality or business.”