Stockton Sixth Form College, part of Tees Valley Collaborative Trust, is proud to become Aviation Generation’s first delivery partner outside of London for their innovative Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Aviation Operations, beginning September 2025. 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 (to be announced).
Nichole Munro, CEO of Tees Valley Collaborative Trust, added: “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 industry to get behind this initiative with its ‘collaboration before competition’ approach.”
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.”
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.
Discover more at Stockton Sixth Form College’s Open Evening on 4th December, 5-7pm. This hands-on experience will provide a glimpse into the dynamic world of aviation and the career opportunities available through this innovative programme.