Charting New Horizons: The Air & Space Institute takes flight as it opens its doors to students

In April 2024, the Air and Space Institute (ASI) in Newark officially opened its doors to students. After two years of anticipation, the £15.4m state-of-the-art facility welcomed its existing cohort of students from the interim facility at Newark College.  

The ASI is a beacon of opportunity, offering specialised pathways for aspiring Pilots and Engineers in the Civil and Military & Defense sectors and further pathways in Travel & Cabin Crew, Space, and beyond September 2024, Software Engineering and A Levels. The institute caters to diverse passions and ambitions.  

The facility, situated in the heart of Newark adjacent to the Newark and Sherwood District Council offices, stands as a testament to collaboration and vision. The Towns Fund project, born from a desire to enhance educational and employment prospects, has transformed Newark into a hub of innovation and aspiration.  

ASI boasts a cutting-edge infrastructure designed to simulate real-world scenarios. From an Airbus A320 for hands-on training to state-of-the-art flight simulators, every aspect of the facility is geared toward empowering students with practical skills and knowledge.  

Ross Tarnowski, Assistant Principal at the Lincoln College Group, said, “At the Air and Space Institute, we've opened more than just doors; we've opened pathways to the future. With our state-of-the-art facility, ASI is poised to enrich not only the region but the entire aerospace industry.   

“From aviation to software engineering, from dreams to reality - we are proud to stand as a beacon of opportunity, empowering students with unparalleled resources, including various Alsim flight simulators, Pennant hydraulic systems trainers, robotic arms and the momentous Airbus A320. We encourage students to seize the boundless opportunities to carve their path toward impactful careers.   

“We eagerly anticipate the remarkable journeys our students will embark on and await the future partnership successes that the Air and Space Institute will undoubtedly bring.” 

Councillor Matthew Spoors, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is a huge day not just for Newark but the whole district. We now have an amazing world-class training centre right in the heart of our community which will be giving local students opportunities to pursue successful and inspiring careers like they’ve never had before. 

“This goes beyond just education but creates excitement and opens a whole world of opportunities for the local community. It will provide employment prospects and boost our local economy and will be home to over 200 students each year.  

“It will directly create almost 40 new jobs for the area and importantly will create many more over the coming generations to those wanting to embark on careers and pathways into better skilled, well-paid jobs in the civil and military aviation industries.” 

Adrian Grocock, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “It’s been an honour to turn Lincoln College Group’s vision into a reality, providing a world-class training facility for young people going into the aerospace industry. 

“We worked closely with the client using the latest technology and specialist advice to ensure the seamless construction of the new campus building and the installation of the large commercial aircraft for educational purposes - consulting with third party experts to manage the transportation and stabilisation of the aircraft to its final fixed position.” 

As the ASI prepares to open its doors to the public, anticipation builds for the transformative impact it will have on generations to come. Through innovation, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence, the institute is indeed launching to new heights, shaping the future of air and space exploration one student at a time. Details on the official public opening are to follow. 

For more information on our Further Education pathways click here. Want to check our out of this world facilities? Register for an Open Day and discuss your study options!