Training course offers career opportunities in fast-growing aerospace sector
Unemployed people and those under threat of redundancy are being given the chance to develop new skills to increase their job prospects with the local aerospace industry.
A new training course is being offered free of charge to people over 25 at the Skypath Aero Training Centre, due to open soon at Prestwick Aerospace Campus. ‘Aircraft Decommissioning Pathway’ is a full-time course which has been developed to meet the growing industry demand for people with skills in the fast-growing area of decommissioning – the process of disassembling and dismantling an ageing aircraft which has been withdrawn from operational service.
The course has been established through a training partnership between Ayrshire College, the University of Strathclyde, Chevron Aircraft Maintenance, South Ayrshire Council and National Manufacturing Institute Scotland. Training is being delivered by lecturers from Ayrshire College, supported by Chevron – a key employer in the local aerospace sector.
Gavin Murray, Director of Curriculum at Ayrshire College said: “The Aircraft Decommissioning Pathway course is designed for those who’ve either lost their job or are worried about job security and are looking to find new employment in the aerospace industry. No previous experience in the industry is required, just an enthusiasm to learn new and valuable skills.
“Much of the course will be spent onsite in a simulated hangar environment, with trainees carrying out practical tasks on real aircraft components, developing hand skills and learning to interpret engineering drawings – all essential skills for multiple roles within the aerospace industry.”
Mike Stewart, Director at Chevron Aircraft Maintenance, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this exciting new programme. We see great opportunities in aerospace, particularly in aircraft decommissioning, where there is currently an increasing demand for people with the right skills. This course has been specifically designed to meet that demand, offering local people an ideal chance to improve their own employment prospects and become involved in a growing sector.”
Councillor Peter Henderson, Leader of South Ayrshire Council added: “A key theme of our Strategic Economic Plan: Vision 2030 is to support opportunities for local people to develop new skills, find employment and enjoy a better quality of life. This new training course is an excellent example of our Economy and Regeneration team working collaboratively with local industry and education providers to deliver on that promise.”
The course, funded by the National Transition Training Fund (NTTF), runs Monday-Friday (9am-4pm), for up to six weeks. As well as being free to all participants, there is also the possibility of support for travel. The first of three intakes starts 14th June – 23rd July 2021. Places are being allocated on a first come, first served basis.
To register for the course please email training@sky-path.org or to find out more, visit sky-path.org/skypath-aero-training-centre