Stockton students will benefit from a first-of-its-kind aviation course outside London, providing real-world skills and aiming to reduce the growing demand for skilled workers in the industry. This new course, launching this September, will provide enrolled students with unique access to a vast network of aviation employers who can provide expertise and insight on the sector.
Aviation Generation and Stockton Sixth Form College
Aviation Generation is a not-for-profit CIC, formed by an international group of aviation professionals that aims to attract and educate the next generation of skilled workers in the aviation industry. With global passenger numbers having steadily recovered since the pandemic, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) believes there will be a sharp increase in demand for aviation workers. This follows the current trend of passenger growth, with an 8% increase between April 2024 and 2025.
Dedicated to providing a solution, Aviation Generation has partnered with Stockton Sixth Form College to offer a new programme from September onwards. The Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Aviation Operations course has been carefully designed in collaboration with leading aviation organisations – this includes Boeing, British Airways, Embraer, and London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
The partnership between Aviation Generation and Stockton Sixth Form College in Teesside marks a significant step forward in recruiting for the aviation sector. Stockton Sixth Form College is Aviation Generation’s first delivery partner outside of London, bringing the training programme to the North East.
Numerous voices involved in the development and partnership of the programme have spoken positively about the course, and the impact it can have on the aviation industry. Dr Noel Dennis, Director of Business Development at Atomix Educational Trust – which oversees Stockton Sixth Form College, stated:
“The aviation industry will require over 2.2 million new personnel globally over the next two decades. Our partnership with Aviation Generation ensures our students will receive industry-standard training, with access to leading employers such as British Airways, Boeing, and other key players in the aviation sector.”
Nichola Bates from Boeing has also commented:
“I am immensely proud to be supporting the scale-up based on the successful Course at Heathrow. The world needs a sustainable supply of the right people from the right background and I am confident that we have found the right solution to achieve that. I encourage all of industry to get behind this initiative with its ‘collaboration before competition’ approach.”
Simon Witts, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Aviation Generation, has further said:
“We are delighted to partner with Stockton Sixth Form College to deliver this programme. Our industry-led approach, combined with the college’s educational expertise, will create an outstanding opportunity for young people to enter the aviation industry.”
The Aviation Operations Course
Aviation Generation and Stockton Sixth Form College’s Aviation Operations programme will be launching from this September. The course is two years long, and achieves a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma which is equivalent to three A-Levels.
The curriculum focuses on three key areas: industry operations, airline and aviation operations, and sustainability challenges within the sector. This explores how aircraft work and are used in day-to-day operations, existing safety and security measures, and developments in environmental and sustainability measures.
The programme is designed to hold relevance to the current aviation sector, ensuring that industry demands are met and students can transition into higher study and work with ease. Students on the course will learn from experienced professionals who will provide unbeatable knowledge and insight, and practical skills will be taught in an inhouse cockpit, the interior of a Boeing 737 cabin, and a flight simulator.
To celebrate the course launch, a special event saw three lucky students from Errington Primary School experienced flying in the skies with the use of a Piper Warrior simulator and guided by tutor and pilot, Paul Keenen.
Prospective students and their families can attend the course’s public launch on September 18, providing the opportunity to explore facilities, meet airline partners, and try the simulator. Applications for the Aviations Operations course are currently open.
Are you interested in Aviation Generation and Stockton Sixth Form College’s Aviation Operations course? Let us know your thoughts about the programme and if you’ll be enrolling.
