Applications are open for the new International Air and Space Training Institute (IASTI)

Newark’s new International Air & Space Training Institute (IASTI)® is now accepting applications for its September 2021 intake.

The announcement was made at the project launch today where the RAF signed up as an official partner.

Guests included the Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick, Midlands Engine Chairman Sir John Peace, Newark Towns Fund Chairmen Tom Cartledge and Cllr David Lloyd and RAF Air Marshal Andrew Turner.

IASTI® (Newark) project leads also revealed late-stage talks with further major global industry partners.

School-leavers can now apply for pilot, engineering and ground-crew courses designed with industry to fit job roles in the air and space sector starting in September.

Lincoln College Group CEO Gary Headland said: “We are thrilled that we have secured a world-class partner in the Royal Air Force and we’re very excited to be in late-stage talks with other very significant aviation industry partners.

“Midlands school-leavers will benefit from industry-designed courses from level-three through to degree-level, enabling them to enter the aviation industry fully qualified as commercial and military pilots, engineers and ground crew.

“Our IASTI degree courses will draw students from all over the UK to live and study in and around Newark, continuing the economic regeneration of the town and the region.

“This ground-breaking new approach to training in the sector will dramatically widen participation, opening up highly skilled, exciting and lucrative careers to people from all backgrounds.”

In August last year the multi-million-pound IASTI® project was selected by Newark Towns Fund Board to go forward for funding as part of the Town Investment Plan and a key project in Newark’s Towns Fund Bid. 

On Wednesday it was announced that Newark had been allocated its full £25m request from the Government’s Towns Fund initiative, which paves the way for building work to start on IASTI® Newark, which is likely to start in 2022, with the building being opened in 2023.

IASTI® Newark is the first of a national network to open and advanced talks are underway for more in other parts of the UK.

CEO of independent aviation consultancy Aviation 360, Simon Witts, who created the IASTI® was also a guest at the launch.

He said: Thanks to the excellent working partnership with Lincoln College Group we have been able to progress with establishing similar IASTIs around the country.

“But IASTI Newark is, and always will be the first, which sets the standard for the others to follow.”

IASTI® (Newark) will deliver education and training co-designed with industry to fit career pathways in world-class facilities and students will be trained utilising the latest equipment with expert tutors.

It will produce highly skilled pilots, engineers and ground crew to plug skills and capacity gaps, facilitating the post-pandemic surge in the aviation sector, which is expected in the next 18-months.

The sector is also undergoing a period of innovation, investment and transformation to hit net-zero carbon emissions targets and students will be immersed sustainable aviation developments as part of their courses. 

Air Commodore Simon Harper said: “The RAF has enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Lincoln College Group through the Air and Defence Career College. 

“We are fully behind the development of the International Air and Space Training Institute as it launches this year and will continue to work alongside civil aviation partners and Lincoln College Group to shape the next generation of aviation training.”

Tom Cartledge, Co-Chair of the Newark Towns Fund Board said: “IASTI® (Newark), along with eight other catalyst projects approved for funding under the Government’s Towns Fund initiative, mark an important step in the journey to transform the lives of the current and future generations of Newark residents.

“I am excited to see this ambition fulfilled and look forward to seeing Newark’s Town Fund Bid come to life in Newark.”