ASI and Nottingham Trent University cement strategic partnership

The Air & Space Institute (ASI) Newark has reasserted its strategic partnership with Nottingham Trent University (NTU).

The partnership, which was first established in 2023 when the ASI facility was under construction, gives the Institute’s Higher Education students the chance to complete a top-up degree, delivered by NTU at ASI, after finishing their Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) studies.

ASI Newark launched in 2021, with the first intake of Higher Education students starting in 2024 studying programmes designed for future air and space engineers. Since then, the purpose-built ASI HQ boasts simulators, a full Airbus A318, multiple workshops and dedicated seminar space.

Those who join ASI after leaving school are able to gain their Level 3 qualifications in an industry-standard facility and progress to study either a Level 4 and 5 Aerospace Engineering or Space Technologies Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) before progressing to the full Level 6 BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering (Top-Up) degree.

Lincoln College Assistant Principal Higher Education, Mel Watson, said: “Collaboration is one of the key things we look for in order to strengthen our ability to develop truly employer-led training and this partnership with Nottingham Trent University will provide a clear career pathway from schools right through to degree level.

“Since the inception of the ASI, we’ve been amazed at the ambition and focus of our students. This partnership will no doubt give people that edge they need to enter what is a buoyant and thrilling industry to enter at the moment.”

Thanks to this new partnership with NTU, students can stay on at ASI after finishing their Level 5 qualification to complete a full bachelor’s degree.

Professor Sarah Speight, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at Nottingham Trent University, added: “At Nottingham Trent University, we are proud to deepen our partnership with the Air & Space Institute. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to creating accessible, high-quality pathways into the aviation and aerospace industries.

“By combining NTU’s academic excellence with ASI’s cutting-edge facilities and employer-led training, we are equipping students with the skills, experience and qualifications they need to thrive in a fast-evolving global sector.”