IASTI Newark off to a flying start

The UK’s first International Air & Space Training Institute (IASTI) welcomed its first cohort of students with a ceremony at the International Bomber Command Centre today.

The new IASTI Newark students were matriculated by Air Commodore Harper in the presence of industry partners, local dignitaries and college representatives. 

The IASTI, which is still accepting people who want to transfer from sixth form to study pilot and engineering pathways, also started online lessons with experts from Boeing today. 

Lincoln College Group CEO Gary Headland said: “Every now and again in our careers, we are part of something truly special. The International Air and Space Training Institute in Newark is one of those things.  

“It will create amazing career opportunities in the aviation and space sector, which people might not have considered because they thought they weren’t able or good enough to access those programmes.

“The aviation sector will recover rapidly and will need lots of people with the right knowledge, skills and mindset. This is where the new Institute comes in. It is not a qualifications factory. It is an educational experience combining high quality education and skills development with exceptional sector-specific enrichment activities. Our students will be extraordinarily well prepared to secure great roles in these exciting sectors and to excel in those roles.”

IASTI Newark is a collaboration between Lincoln College Group, Aviation 360, Newark and Sherwood District Council and the Royal Air Force, with support from East Midlands Airport, Inzpire and the National Space Centre. 

It has been made possible by a multi-million pound investment from the Government’s Towns Fund initiative which will see a state-of-the-art premises built on the outskirts of Newark in 2023.

Until then, students will learn within specialised facilities at the Newark College campus, where they will get hands-on training with the latest equipment from expert tutors.

Director of IASTI Newark Tom Marsden said: “Today was a wonderful start to our students’ time with us. It helped them to understand the expectations of our employers and the exciting careers they are working towards.

“It’s not too late to join us this year, so if you are thinking about a career in aviation, please do get in touch to discuss your options.”

Emily Evans is studying on the pilot pathway. She said: “I’ve really enjoyed today, it’s clarified for me that I’m on the right path to achieve the career I want. I love the course so far. I’ve made some great friends and know even now that we’ll all stay in touch as we go into the industry together.”

Her classmate Layla Binns commented: “Today has really broadened my horizons, it’s been so nice to mix with people who share my dreams and aspirations.”

There’s still time to start your aviation journey with IASTI Newark this September – find out more and apply here.