MP visits college facility to champion advanced skills partnership

3 February 2026

Claire Hazelgrove MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke visited Weston College’s on-site learning facilities as part of a visit to GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre in Bristol.

The aim was to showcase how industry and education are working together to deliver high-quality technical skills and support regional economic growth.

She toured the Global Technology Centre (GTC), beginning in the Training and Education Centre, meeting apprentices and finding out more about how the college delivered technical education alongside cutting-edge aerospace innovation.

Ms Hazelgrove said: “I’m grateful to GKN Aerospace for hosting me together with key representatives from, Weston College, UWE Bristol and the Gatsby Foundation on site in Filton on Friday to hear more about their collaboration – between industry, education and research – at the West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT).

“This collaboration is both driving innovation and creating opportunities right here in our community, including for apprentices like Reece, Maddie and Lysander, who we heard from about their invaluable experience here.”

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group and education provider lead for the WEIoT, said: “This visit highlights the power of partnership between education and industry.

“Together, we are creating clear, high-quality technical pathways that allow learners to progress into skilled, well-paid careers without leaving the region.

“Building on our strong partnerships with GKN Aerospace, Airbus and Rolls-Royce, Weston College is developing a new Aerospace Skills Academy in Filton.

“This investment reflects our shared commitment to meeting the future skills needs of the aerospace sector, supporting employers, and ensuring local people can access outstanding technical education that leads directly to opportunity.”