More than £25 million is being given to boost skills and training for people in the capital, Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, announced today.

Grants have been awarded to further education projects, including the London Aerospace and Technology College in Bromley - a joint project between London South East Colleges and London Biggin Hill Airport.

This has been given £6.4 million to expand technical training across aviation and aeronautics.

Stephen Howlett, chair of London South East Colleges, said: “We’re planning to develop a £11 million Aerospace and Aviation College at Biggin Hill airport - and this will now become a reality. We are extremely grateful to the mayor of London for backing the project, which will help to address the expanding skills shortage within this exciting industry.

“Young people in Bromley and further afield will benefit from first-class industry training, helping to develop the next generation of aircraft engineers and technicians. This will provide tangible and exciting career pathways, while supporting the region’s economic development and growth.”

Another FE institution to receive funding is Barking and Dagenham College. It has been given £5 million to complete a Centre for Advanced Technologies, which will provide training in electrical engineering, digital technologies and the creative industries.

Other projects to have been awarded funding include a learning hub focused on science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) subjects and health care at Newham Sixth Form College and advanced simulators to develop nursing skills at London Cactus College in Edgware.

The list of projects also includes a programme to boost digital, gaming, music and creative skills in communities including BAME young people at Big Creative Education in Walthamstow, as well as plans by City Lit to develop a new design and digital hub, and new gallery space.

Future skills 

Phil Chamberlain, executive director, external engagement, City Lit, said that the digital and design hub would “bring our expertise into one interactive, inclusive learning space” and the gallery space would “inspire and encourage wellbeing through the arts”.

The £25.7 million investment in skills announced today is part of a funding pot of £114 million which will be spent over the next four years through the Skills for Londoners Capital Fund.

This aims to deliver 21st-century, fit-for-purpose education and training facilities at further education colleges and other providers across London.

Mr Khan said: “The increase of globalisation and automation in the workplace brings both challenges and opportunities.

“These projects are great examples of how innovative institutions can deliver the skills which will increasingly be in demand as London grows and changes over time”.

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