Helicopter BSc (Hons) established at Middlesex Uni
The first jointly validated programme will be offered by Helicentre Aviation and Middlesex University and they are expected to commence enrolling candidates shortly.
The programme, which is also available for existing trainees and pilots, has been developed to meet the requirements of both a degree and a higher apprenticeship. This
innovative combination means that when a student is training independently or as an apprentice the requirements for both programmes are met. To be an apprentice the
student will need to be employed by a programme partner.
The enrolment of the first students, who will graduate with a BSc (Hons) degree and a professional pilot’s licence which fully meets all UK CAA requirements, is just one of a
number of important milestones reached by the Aviation Skills Partnership.
Helicentre Aviation Managing Director and Chief Pilot Captain Sarah Bowen said: “We are exceptionally proud of this achievement and are very much looking forward to
the first enrollments. The programme will greatly benefit the industry, and in particular the next generation of helicopter pilots, many of whom will be eligible for financial assistance.
Training more helicopter pilots is a step in the right direction towards dealing with the industry wide pilot shortage and will also create many additional job and apprenticeship
opportunities within our own organisation”.
Aviation Skills Partnership aims to transform the approach to training across the aviation sector and continues to develop the other areas of its six areas of aviation – cabin crew,
airport operations, operations and crewing – and has also announced the development of similar degree/apprenticeship pathways for air traffic control and aviation engineering.
ASP’s Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Simon Witts said: “It has been a busy and exciting year for the Aviation Skills Partnership and we have been delighted by the
interest, enthusiasm and support shown for the professional pilot programme.
"The passion and drive from the young people hoping to build an aviation career never fails to impress me, and I am delighted to announce that Helicentre Aviation and Middlesex will shortly be ready to take the first helicopter students on board. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the development of this programme.”
