Students Ready For Take-Off As Work Begins On Pioneering Aviation Academy

Work has begun to transform part of Teesside International Airport into a pioneering new aviation skills academy which will be used to train and teach Teesside University students.

The airport has partnered with the University to develop the Teesside Aviation Skills Academy.

Construction work is now under way to convert part of the airport’s terminal building into a dedicated facility for university training and learning.

It will provide a base from which students can learn on-the-job skills across a range of airport functions including air traffic control, management and engineering.

The Teesside Aviation Skills Academy will offer aviation students an immersive learning experience that allows them to explore the intricate workings of an airport.

Students will be provided with access to key areas of Teesside International Airport’s operations, from ground handling and air traffic control, to food and beverage and service delivery.

It will allow students to put into practice the theory they have been taught in the classroom and enhance their employability skills.

The academy will provide training across six key areas:

• Engineering and Training
• Pilot Training
• Cabin Crew Training
• Drone Training
• Net Zero and Sustainable Aviation
• Management and Executive Education

Students will be able to study a range of courses including Aviation and Tourism, Airline and Airport Management and Aviation Management and will begin using the facility during the 2023/24 academic year.

The academy is a collaboration between the airport, Teesside University and Tees Valley Combined Authority and builds on the existing relationship between the airport and the university which has seen the airport host field trips and provide guest lectures.

Acting Dean of Teesside University International Business School Dr Andrew Bingham and Head of Department for Aviation, Tourism, Finance and Marketing Beverley Boden joined Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen at the airport to view the ongoing work.

Mayor Houchen said: “We are delighted to be working with Teesside University to deliver this fantastic facility which will make a huge difference by providing students with the opportunity to learn vital real-world skills at a thriving airport.

“It is essential local people can benefit from well-paid, well-skilled jobs at our airport and this investment will help produce the next generation of employees ready to work across the airline industry.

“The aviation skills academy will make sure students will stay local and go far and we look forward to welcoming them to our airport.”

Dr Andrew Bingham said: “We are incredibly excited about this new Teesside Aviation Skills Academy and to be working alongside the airport and Combined Authority on such an innovative project.

“At Teesside University, we put students at the heart of everything we do, and this new facility will be a fantastic addition to their student and learning experience.”

Bev Boden added: “The aviation industry provides a pathway to a multitude of exciting career opportunities. It is vital that students are equipped with the practical skills and experience needed to flourish and succeed in this sought after industry The Teesside Aviation Skills Academy will provide a unique opportunity for our students studying an aviation related degree at the University and our partner colleges to learn within a fully functioning airport environment.”

This project builds on separate developments also underway at Teesside International Airport, with a 22,658sq ft industrial unit under construction at Business Park South and funding secured for a new hangar development at Business Park North.

For further information on development opportunities and available property at Teesside International Airport, contact commercial agents Colliers or Dodds Brown.