Ayrshire College welcomed pupils, students, and employers to its Aeronautical Engineering Training Centre for All About Aero, an event designed to inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals.
Organised in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce, the event brought together college staff, leading aerospace companies, and young people from across Ayrshire to explore pathways into one of the UK’s most significant and fast-growing industries.
The aerospace sector in Ayrshire is a cornerstone of Scotland’s advanced manufacturing economy, centred around the Prestwick Aerospace Hub. This thriving cluster is home to globally recognised companies such as GE Caledonian, Spirit AeroSystems, and BAE Systems, and supports thousands of highly skilled jobs in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), as well as component manufacturing and engineering services. With ongoing investment and expansion plans, Prestwick is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable aviation and space technologies, creating significant opportunities for local talent and reinforcing Ayrshire’s reputation as a key player in the UK aerospace industry.
During the event, pupils explored exhibitor stalls, engaged directly with industry professionals, and discovered the wide range of careers available within the aerospace sector. They also took part in hands-on workshops and toured the Aeronautical Building, meeting current students and experiencing the facilities first-hand to gain a real insight into life on an aeronautical course at Ayrshire College. Throughout the day, staff showcased the College’s full range of courses and training pathways.
Exhibitors included BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Woodward, GE Caledonian, Spirit AeroSystems, Ryanair, Collins Aerospace, and Ayrshire College itself. Pupils attended from a wide range of Ayrshire secondary schools, including Ardrossan Academy, Kyle Academy, Kilwinning Academy, Queen Margaret Academy, Greenwood Academy, Doon Academy, Carrick Academy, and Marr College.
Alistair Aird, Curriculum Quality Manager, Aerospace at Ayrshire College, said:, Aerospace at Ayrshire College, said:
“The aerospace hub at Prestwick is undergoing substantial growth. The College’s location and purpose-built facilities put us in a prime position to support local businesses with skills development and training needs. Our apprentice numbers are growing year on year, and we’re increasing the provision of full-time classes to meet demand. We’re also creating more flexible entry points to allow people to upskill or change direction.”
Carl Graham, Conformance and Configurations Engineer at GE Caledonian, added:
“These types of events are critical for young aspiring engineers who wish to gain an insight into what it takes to become an engineer in today’s modern world of work. It’s great to see the support offered to Ayrshire College by the businesses around the Prestwick Aerospace Hub.”
The event reinforced Ayrshire College's strong partnership with industry and demonstrated its commitment to equipping the future workforce with the skills required to meet employer demand.
Ayrshire College offers a suite of courses in aeronautical engineering and related fields, from short skills-based courses to full-time qualifications, including Composite Repair, Composite Awareness, Engineering Skills, Aerospace (via the Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund), HNC Aircraft Engineering, SVQ Performing Engineering Operations (Aeronautical), NC Aeronautical Engineering, and Introduction to Space Technology. These courses provide flexible entry points, including one-year SVQs and evening classes, making aerospace education accessible even to those looking to reskill or upskill while working.
For more information on our courses please visit Ayrshire College website Browse Ayrshire College Courses