Leicester College breaks ground on new aeronautical centre

Leicester College has officially broken ground on the construction of its new aeronautical and space engineering technology centre at the Abbey Park Campus.

Set to be completed by May 2025, the facility will focus on delivering Level 4 and 5 technical skills while providing support for the aeronautical and aerospace sectors.

The new 800 sq m building will feature workshops, laboratories for propulsion, aerodynamics, avionics, and instrumentation, as well as workspaces.

Leicester College has teamed up with contractor Wilten Construction on the project.

Shabir Ismail, deputy principal at Leicester College said: “We are so excited to break ground on our new facility, set to enhance technical skills in the aeronautical and aerospace industries. This facility is not just a building; it’s a demonstration of our commitment to supporting our regional network of employers and stakeholders and building a skilled workforce for the future. 

“As the demand for aerospace engineers continues to grow, this project will play a crucial role in addressing that need. We’re excited about welcoming students to the new building next year and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the industry and beyond.”

Phoebe Dawson, director of Business and Skills at LLBSP, said: “It’s a really exciting time for the college and the city. The UK space sector is worth more than 18.9 billion and growing twice as fast as the UK economy, and it currently employes 52,000 people. But staff recruitment is frequently referenced as the biggest constraint to growth and this facility will provide a clear pathway in a broad range of subjects and deliver a talent pipeline for those organisations in that sector locally.

“As a business and skills partnership, we are determined to close the gap between the roles and jobs of the future, and the skills that will be required. This facility is going to go some way to supporting that.”