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Stockton Sixth Form College takes flight: A new era in aviation Education

Stockton Sixth Form College, part of Tees Valley Collaborative Trust, is celebrating something huge this week…

They are now Aviation Generation’s first delivery partner outside of London for their innovative Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Aviation Operations, beginning September 2025. Brilliant news for the college and another huge win for the North East!

Delivered in partnership with a major regional airport and airline

This partnership brings Aviation Generation’s industry-led training programme to the North East for the first time, offering students unique access to their extensive network of aviation employers and industry expertise.

The two-year course, equivalent to three A-Levels, has been specifically designed to address the growing demand for skilled aviation professionals. It focuses on three key areas: industry operations, airline and aviation operations, and sustainability challenges within the sector. 

The programme will be delivered in partnership with a major regional airport and airline, along with other key regional aviation stakeholders (which are still yet to be announced – and we look forward to it!).

Students will have access to immense opportunities

Nichole Munro, CEO of Tees Valley Collaborative Trust, said: “This new course aligns perfectly with our Trust’s commitment to providing innovative, future-focused education. It will play a vital role in supporting the North East’s growing aviation sector while offering our students clear pathways to higher education and employment in this dynamic industry.”

Mike Mackin, Head of Centre Stockton Sixth Form College, said: “This partnership represents a significant opportunity for young people in Stockton. Our students will be perfectly positioned to access exciting career opportunities in an industry that continues to show strong growth and innovation.”

Dr Noel Dennis, Director of Business Development at Tees Valley Collaborative Trust, commented: “The aviation industry will require over 2.2 million new personnel globally over the next two decades. Our partnership with Aviation Generation ensures our students will receive industry-standard training, with access to leading employers such as British Airways, Boeing, and other key players in the aviation sector.”

Nichola Bates from Boeing said: “I am immensely proud to be supporting the scale-up based on the successful Course at Heathrow. The world needs a sustainable supply of the right people from the right background and I am confident that we have found the right solution to achieve that. I encourage all of the industry to get behind this initiative with its ‘collaboration before competition’ approach.”

The future is looking bright for the industry and students alike

The global aviation industry is soaring once again. Passenger confidence has returned strongly, with airlines reporting that 82% of their seats are now filled on average. The future looks bright for aviation careers, with the global commercial aircraft fleet set to expand dramatically over the next twenty years in response to growing travel demands. The industry is also leading the charge in sustainability, with major investments in sustainable aviation fuel as it works towards achieving Net Zero by 2050.

Aviation Generation is a trading name of ENGAP UK, a not-for-profit CIC formed by an international group of aviation professionals committed to ensuring that the industry attracts, educates and retains the next generation of aviation professionals. It is a movement that sees the right knowledge, skills, competencies and behaviours being delivered on three main stages directly integrated into the curriculum post-16. 

This means that industry can directly participate in the formal education and training at a much earlier stage ensuring that the right people are given the right skills, trained by the right people in the right facilities and using the right equipment.

Simon Witts, Founder and CEO of Aviation Generation, stated: “We are delighted to partner with Stockton Sixth Form College to deliver this programme. Our industry-led approach, combined with the college’s educational expertise, will create an outstanding opportunity for young people to enter the aviation industry. The course’s proven track record shows that graduates progress to universities, apprenticeships, and direct employment with major airlines and aviation companies.”

Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for students in the region to access world-class aviation education and training. Congratulations to Stockton Sixth Form College for securing this prestigious partnership and providing students with a pathway to exciting careers in the aviation industry. We look forward to seeing the fantastic results that will surely emerge.”

Stockton Sixth Form College is a Schools North East Partner School . If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.

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