Leicester College has officially broken ground on the construction of it’s new, state-of-the-art Aeronautical and Space Engineering Technology Centre at the Abbey Park Campus. The new facility, which is scheduled for completion by May 2025, will deliver Level 4 and 5 technical skills, and will provide crucial support for the aeronautical and aerospace industries.

The new 800-square-metre building will be home to workshops, propulsion, aerodynamic, avionic and instrumentations laboratories, and collaborative working spaces. It is designed to support the growing need for skilled professionals in the aerospace industry, which is projected to require over 10,000 additional aerospace engineers in England by 2033.

Leicester College is working with main contractor, Wilten Construction, on the new facility.

Shabir Ismail, Deputy Principal at Leicester College said: “We are so excited to break ground on our new facility, set to enhance technical skills in the aeronautical and aerospace industries. This facility is not just a building; it’s a demonstration of our commitment to supporting our regional network of employers and stakeholders and building a skilled workforce for the future.

“As the demand for aerospace engineers continues to grow, this project will play a crucial role in addressing that need. We’re excited about welcoming students to the new building next year and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the industry and beyond.”

Phoebe Dawson, Director of Business and Skills at LLBSP, added: “It’s a really exciting time for the college and the city. The UK space sector is worth more than 18.9 billion and growing twice as fast as the UK economy, and it currently employes 52,000 people. But staff recruitment is frequently referenced as the biggest constraint to growth and this facility will provide a clear pathway in a broad range of subjects and deliver a talent pipeline for those organisations in that sector locally.

“As a business and skills partnership, we are determined to close the gap between the roles and jobs of the future, and the skills that will be required. This facility is going to go some way to supporting that.”