The West of England Institute of Technology welcomed Claire Hazelgrove, MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, to GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre in Filton, showcasing how industry and education are working together to deliver high-quality technical skills and support regional economic growth.

The visit, facilitated by the West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT), brought Claire Hazelgrove MP together with education and industry leaders from across the WEIoT partnership, including GKN Aerospace, the Weston College Group and the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). GKN apprentices also took part, sharing first-hand insights into technical education and their progression into high-skilled aerospace careers.

During the visit, the MP toured the Global Technology Centre (GTC), beginning in the Training and Education Centre, where she met apprentices, explored the learning environment, and viewed specialist facilities. The tour continued into the workshop, home to Weston College’s on-site learning space, demonstrating how technical education is delivered directly alongside cutting-edge aerospace innovation.

The WEIoT was established to bring together education and industry in a new, collaborative way, uniting colleges, a university, and employers to deliver high-quality technical education aligned to the region’s skills needs. Over time, WEIoT has evolved into a strategic, employer-responsive partnership focused on building strong talent pipelines across priority sectors including engineering and advanced manufacturing, digital, health and life sciences, construction, and creative technologies.

The visit reinforced Claire Hazelgrove MP’s commitment to supporting young people, strengthening links between education and local employers, and ensuring the region’s aerospace and engineering sectors have the skilled workforce they need to thrive.

Claire Hazelgrove, MP for the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency, said:

I’m grateful to GKN Aerospace for hosting me together with key representatives from UWE Bristol, Weston College 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. 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. Our Labour Government is backing further education and gold standard apprenticeships alongside university education - rather than pushing it instead of these other valuable routes - and funding the costs of training apprentices for SMEs.

Speaking following the visit, 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.

Institutes of Technology are a national network stretching from Truro to Tyneside, collectively comprising over 80 further education colleges, 30 universities, and 100 employer partners. Our mission is to equip individuals with the advanced technical skills that drive innovation and meet employers’ evolving needs.

To get in touch with your local Institute of Technology, see our Find an IoT page.