Outstanding organisations from across the aviation industry have marked the launch of the Aviation Generation programme at Harrow, Richmond, and Uxbridge College Group (HRUC) at an inspired event (Friday 13 September) featuring leading figures from organisations including British Airways, Boeing and Heathrow and aspiring students.
Aviation Generation’s collaboration with HRUC and industry leaders aims to create seamless pathways for young individuals to enter the aviation industry, ensuring a sustainable supply of skilled professionals for the future.
The launch at Heathrow Employment and Skills Academy comes as, HRUC, working with Aviation Generation, starts a new two-year aviation course at Uxbridge College. The course provides insights into the aviation industry, how it operates; enables students to learn how airlines and aviation operators utilise their aircraft in day-to-day operations and covers what the aviation industry is doing to address environmental and sustainability challenges as it moves into the future.
The course is Aviation Generation’s - Aviation | Uxbridge College first Further Education, Level 3 study programme and will be delivered at the college and at Heathrow Academy.
The programme will enable students to:
- Gain comprehensive knowledge about the aviation sector, its operations, and sustainability efforts.
- Benefit from real-world insights with practical, tech-enabled learning materials from industry partners like Heathrow Airport and British Airways.
- Qualified instructors: courses are taught by current aviation professionals, ensuring up-to-date industry practices.
- Explore career pathways: graduates receive a Level 3 qualification, equivalent to three A-Levels, preparing them for careers in aircraft engineering, operations, and piloting.
- The initiative also aims to address the aviation industry’s growing need for skilled professionals by integrating specialised training into education.
Liam Plumridge, Head of Employability at HRUC said, “Aviation Generation is a new movement that has been steered by the aviation industry in order to create and develop the future of the sector. Aviation is a wide-ranging area that is exciting and complex. Our students are seeing for themselves some of the incredible challenges, skills, and innovations the industry has to offer.”
Poorvi Patel, Head of Education, Employment and Skills at Heathrow Employment and Skills Academy, said, "There is no place like Heathrow, and we are excited to be able to offer young people – our future talent pipeline – a unique experience and insight into our airport and industry. Our collaboration with HRUC to deliver Aviation Generation will bring to life the learning curriculum with the realities of the workplace, whilst also building their skills and confidence.”
Helen Reynolds Senior Relationship Manager, at Heathrow Employment and Skills Academy, said, “We are excited to be supporting college students to learn about the different sectors and job opportunities within aviation. This course will help the young people understand where their passion lies and enable them to make an informed decision about their future career.”
Further information
HRUC supports 16,000 learners and through its Heathrow Inclusive Learning Partnership, HRUC alongside its partners also provide opportunities for SEND learners to work with Heathrow’s supply chain and led by Heathrow’s executive.
Aviation Generation @ HRUC is a partnership between Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge College Group and Aviation Generation. Harrow, Aviation Generation is a not-for-profit aviation training and education organisation fronted by industry professionals that offers programs designed to prepare young people to be the future of Aviation.