Newcastle College

Recognising the significance of transport infrastructure in the North, Newcastle College made a commitment to offering vocational training targeted at these demands. The College’s vision was to offer training through a Transport Academy that equipped individuals with the relevant skills required by industry.

As part of this plan an Aviation Academy was built in 2006 at the heart of the North East aviation hub at Newcastle International Airport. The Aviation Academy is approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority to deliver European Aviation Safety Agency basic maintenance and engineering courses. A Rail Academy followed in 2014 and was purpose-built adjacent to a major rail interchange. The Rail Academy works closely with Cross Country Trains and the National Skills Academy for Rail. The College’s programmes ensured that the qualifications and learning environments in both these facilities aligned to employer demands.

Overall the Transport Academy gives young people the opportunity  to train in unrivalled facilities, replicating those found in industry. Aviation students hone their skills on a range of aircraft, whilst Rail Academy students learn on rail track and overhead lines. Long-standing employer partnerships, such as with Newcastle International Airport and Network Rail, ensure that the Academy curriculum is continually in line with sector needs.