A major new development is getting off the ground in a Nottinghamshire town. Construction of the £15.4million headquarters for Newark's new Air and Space Institute (ASI) is currently underway, with the work being carried out by GF Tomlinson on the old Cattle Market site.
Once the ASI is complete, students will be able to gain level three qualifications in the world-class facility, which will be home to an aircraft for trainee engineers to work on. Students on the pilot pathway will also be able to fly an ASI aircraft out of Nottingham Aerodrome.
The institute is run by the Lincoln College Group. While the headquarters are being built, current students are undergoing flight, groundcrew and engineer training at Newark College as an interim facility.
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The institute announced a new partnership with Nottingham Trent University on Tuesday (March 28). This will allow ASI students the chance to complete top-up degrees delivered by the university after they finish their Level 5 studies. Students will be able to study Level 2 and 3 courses at the ASI, but will then have the opportunity to undertake a Level 4 HNC qualification, progressing to a Level 5 HND.
Lincoln College Group principal and CEO Mark Locking described the partnership as a "fabulous opportunity" for students. He said: "We always seek out collaboration to strengthen our ability to develop truly employer-led training and this partnership with Nottingham Trent University completes ASI's career flightpath from schools to the skies.
"We are hugely excited about ASI higher education students having the opportunity to complete their studies with an award-winning and influential university, renowned for its innovation, sustainability and popularity with students." He added that he feels it is exciting for the whole East Midlands and could help stimulate the area's economy.
Professor Edward Peck, president and vice-chancellor at Nottingham Trent University, said he is looking forward to the university using its expertise and experts in engineering to help ASI students. He said: "Partnerships such as this are vital to help bridge the gap between further and higher education, giving students different options and choices in their career pathway.
"Nottingham Trent University's existing collaborations with further education colleges demonstrate how beneficial these relationships can be. It is an exciting time for ASI with its new HQ in development, providing students with state-of-the art equipment and facilities.
"However, the wider effect on the community and on regeneration of the area is something Nottingham Trent University wholly supports and encourages. We look forward to working together to train and develop the next generation of aviation experts."
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