Magnus Church of England Academy has announced a prestigious partnership with The International Air & Space Training Institute (IASTI®).

From September 2022, students can choose to take a 2-year course covering pilot, engineering and ground operations, -the equivalent of 3 A Levels. 

The IASTI® Launch 2 Pathway is an education programme designed and delivered in partnership with industry, the Royal Air Force, and is supported by two of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Embraer.

A world first for this level of education, it will be the only programme of its kind in Newark and in Nottinghamshire.

The new IASTI® at Magnus will replicate the successful model in London City where 50 young learners are now into their third term, and which is successfully recruiting for a 2022 cohort. This latest announcement builds on the recent news of an IASTI® in Doncaster and is part of an ambitious national and international roll-out of the pioneering initiative.

IASTI®’s Founder and Chief Executive Simon Witts said: “I am delighted to confirm our partnership with the Magnus Church of England Academy for September 2022. The air and space industry is crying out for a sustainable supply of skilled people to meet a growing demand, and IASTI® is proud to be training the next generation of aviation professionals.

“Our unique partnership with aircraft manufacturers, airlines and airports ensures real depth in subject matter and case studies, using trainers from industry, something no other course can offer. I am thrilled that Magnus have joined IASTI®’s growing movement.”

Anna Martin is Executive Head of Magnus Church of England Academy and said, “At Magnus we are always looking for great opportunities for our pupils and community.  I am delighted to be able to bring the IASTI® to Newark, enabling young people in the town to access world class, employer led training, that offers direct routes into the aviation industry. From September 2022, the IASTI team of professionals will be educating and training the next generation of aviation professionals, on site, at our school.  This is the first time that industry requirements have been fully implemented into the education system and we are proud to be pioneers, making this exceptional programme accessible to the young people of Newark and beyond.”

Boeing’s Head of Global Accelerators and Innovation Programs Nichola Bates is Chair of IASTI®’s Stakeholder Board which, as well as Boeing, includes major partners such as Embraer, the Royal Air Force and London City Airport. Commenting on the expansion, she said: “Aviation needs to recruit the right people from truly diverse backgrounds, centred on ability and opportunity. Having seen IASTI’s work in London City 2021, I can say without hesitation that the Magnus students will be a part of something really significant.”

Simon Witts concluded: “Our class of 2021 at London City, delivered in partnership with The London Design & Engineering UTC, has been a huge success and I look forward to replicating the model in Newark with Magnus. Recruitment starts now for all the budding pilots, engineers, and ground ops staff who dream of a career in the world’s most exciting industry!”