Enhances hands-on learning opportunities for 700 students, equipping them with industry-ready skills
October 16, 2025 – Farnborough, UK – GE Aerospace today announced a workforce donation that will provide 700 students at Farnborough College of Technology with funding to enhance hands-on learning opportunities with cutting-edge technology, helping equip them with the skills needed to meet evolving industry demands.
“Today’s donation reflects GE Aerospace’s commitment to closing the skills gap and advancing aerospace education,” said Dave Harris, GE Aerospace’s London Heathrow On Wing Support site leader. “By investing in Farnborough College’s programs, we are helping to equip future engineers with the tools and training needed to succeed in aerospace careers.”
The £94,000 grant will provide state-of-the-art engineering equipment, including a gas turbine, emulation tools in avionics and smart welding technologies, enabling students to reinforce theoretical knowledge with practical applications. These resources will be integrated into curricula to foster technical proficiency and critical thinking and to improve first-time pass rates for avionics exams.
“This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration between industry and education,” said Virginia Barrett, Principal CEO of the College. “GE Aerospace’s investment in Farnborough College will help ensure that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in aerospace careers, while supporting the broader workforce development goals of the region.”
Farnborough College has a proven track record of delivering impactful aerospace training with an aerospace apprentice program that teaches up to 200 students annually, with an impressive 99% job placement rate for graduates. The new resources provided by GE Aerospace will further enhance the College’s ability to prepare students for sustainable careers in aerospace engineering.
This donation is part of GE Aerospace’s broader commitment to build a larger skilled workforce and innovation in the UK. With apprenticeship programs at sites in Wales and Scotland training 100 students annually, GE Aerospace continues to invest in the next generation of aerospace talent. GE Aerospace employs over 4,000 people across eight sites and plans to invest £55 million toward enhancing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities through 2026. The investments demonstrate its commitment to advancing infrastructure, skills, and operational excellence to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
About GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace is a global aerospace propulsion, services, and systems leader with an installed base of approximately 49,000 commercial and 29,000 military aircraft engines. With a global team of approximately 53,000 employees building on more than a century of innovation and learning, GE Aerospace is committed to inventing the future of flight, lifting people up, and bringing them home safely. Learn more about how GE Aerospace and its partners are defining flight for today, tomorrow, and the future at http://www.geaerospace.com