Teach Too Case study Provider: Craven College Aviation Summary The Air Malta Project is one of a suite of programmes from L3 to HE level run by the Craven College Aviation Academy, based in Leeds and Bradford International Airport, to prepare students for careers in a range of fields within the aviation industry. The Academy works in partnership with many Aviation industry companies working in both landside and airside sectors, including Leeds Bradford International Airport, Servisair, Lufthansa, the RAF and Air Malta. The Academy provides unique opportunities for students, as part of their study towards national qualifications, to gain experience of hands on aviation work across a range of industry specialisms. Higher Education students have the opportunity to visit the AIRBUS A380 production facility in Toulouse, France. This gives an insight into engineering and also an opportunity to study the business strategies of a major aviation organisation. Practice Students studying BTEC Level 3 Airport Operations or City & Guilds Level 2 Aircraft Maintenance spend two weeks based at Luqa International Airport, Malta, taking part in vocational training and work experience, hosted by Air Malta and Malta International Airport which incorporates a visit to the major European engineering base of Lufthansa Technic. They experience both airside and landside airport functions. This is an invaluable experience that is not possible in the UK due to security restrictions. Academy teachers and Industry Partner staff jointly developed and facilitate the programme. The Aviation Academy teaching team members take part in structured industry updates with airport and airline staff whilst the students are on placement. Outcomes Both Air Malta and The Aviation Academy staff are developed through the collaborative partnership delivery which illustrates the Teach Too model. Aviation Academy teaching staff shadow specific airline and airport managers and Air Malta staff are developed to deliver efficient turnaround using UK airport models. Partnership delivery ensures the College team are up to date with current aviation practice and aviation industry staff are developed through working collaboratively with Academy teachers to write and deliver workplace training programmes. Curriculum development is enhanced by industry partners participating in design and delivery and working in conjunction with industry motivates students and improves their learning outcomes. Learning outside the classroom underpins theory and enables vocational skills development. The demonstration model from the Aviation Academy has been successfully transferred into the Sport department of the College.
Model document and links Context and summary The Air Malta Project is one of a suite of programmes from L3 to HE level run by the Craven College Aviation Academy, based in Leeds and Bradford International Airport, to prepare students for careers in a range of fields within the aviation industry. The Academy works in partnership with many Aviation industry companies working in both landside and airside sectors, including Leeds Bradford International Airport, Servisair, Lufthansa, the RAF, and Air Malta. Training for the aviation industry began at Craven College in 1999, when the first aviation curriculum was launched, aiming to support economic growth and meet emerging local employment needs. In 2003 the Aviation Academy obtained regional funding to develop an airside training centre at Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBIA), which was growing and needed appropriately trained and qualified staff. The Aviation Academy operates under the following objectives: To provide the air transport sector with appropriately trained and qualified employees To enable aviation organisations to develop and grow via partnership provision To deliver academic excellence in the aviation curriculum To inform the aviation curriculum at a national level To develop students to be effective employees in the aviation sector. The Academy provides unique opportunities for students, as part of their study towards national qualifications, to gain experience of hands on aviation work across a range of industry specialisms. Higher Education students have the opportunity to visit the AIRBUS A380 production facility in Toulouse, France. This gives an insight into engineering and also an opportunity to study the business strategies of a major aviation organisation. At The Aviation Academy we employ industry specialists to train the future workforce: aviation employers recruit students directly due to the known quality of candidates and 99% of our students achieve their programme of study. Impacts for Teach Too Airline and Academy staff work together to plan and implement mutual professional development. The Air Malta HR team work with the Aviation Academy to design and deliver ongoing CPD for the academic team e.g. airport/airline industry updates and current International practice. The Aviation Academy work with the Chief Operating officer of Ground Services in Malta to plan, deliver and train Air Malta staff in all areas of ground operations e.g. aircraft marshaling, team leadership and efficient aircraft turnaround management. Partnership delivery ensures the College team are up to date with current aviation practice and aviation industry staff are developed through working collaboratively with Academy teachers to write and deliver workplace training programmes. Students benefit from engaging with industry standard practice in real work environments.
This also contributes to developing other aspects of excellent vocational practice: Clear line of sight to work Students focus on progressing to the workplace as curriculum is underpinned by real activities delivered by industry specialists. Working in conjunction with industry motivates students and improves their learning outcomes. Two way street Both Air Malta and The Aviation Academy staff are developed through the collaborative partnership delivery. Curriculum development and design Curriculum development is enhanced as industry partner staff participate in design and delivery. Adding value to employers businesses Servisair actively recruit students straight from the course who have taken part in the project due to their knowledge and experience. Escalation to higher vocational learning In 20012/13 95% of FE learners went into employment or further learning: 53%of learners progressed into aviation careers with industry partners; 21% of learners progressed to Further Education courses up to level 3 and 27% of level 3 learners progressed to Higher Education courses. Access to up to date equipment used in industry Learners are able to experience both airside and landside airport functions and technologies. Key highlights of effective practice From inception the Academy has been intrinsically linked with the aviation sector and industry partners. The academic team have held key roles in the aviation industry in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India, including director of a major regional airport; flying instructor; marketing manager of a regional airport; RAF communications expert; ground operations manager at a regional airport; major airline base manager; and cabin crew managers. The team were involved in the development and writing of the industry standard Level 3 qualification in Aviation Operations and have also written a suite of degree courses in conjunction with the University of Bradford and Open University that include FD Aviation Management and Operations, FD Pilot Studies, and BSc Air Transport Management. The team have recently set up a
branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society in conjunction with The University of Leeds to develop networking opportunities for students and industry professionals alike. The Academy provides unique opportunities for students, as part of the study towards national qualifications, to gain experience of hands on aviation work across a range of industry specialisms, including: Ramp, Cargo, and Ground Operations Ticket sales, Check-In and Departure Gate Operations Taking part in activities linked to their airside location that include visits to airside functions e.g. Rolls Royce, Fire Service, RAF and Project Griffin Work experience UK and International Opportunities to attend flying school and study for the Private Pilot s Licence Partnership work with the airport police to develop awareness of terrorism, counter terrorism and security issues linked to the surrounding area (Project Griffin). The Air Malta Project was launched in 2010. Students studying BTEC Level 3 Airport Operations or City & Guilds Level 2 Aircraft Maintenance spend two weeks based at Luqa International Airport, Malta, taking part in vocational training and work experience, hosted by Air Malta and Malta International Airport which incorporates a visit to the major European engineering base of Lufthansa Technic. They experience both airside and landside airport functions. This is an invaluable experience that is not possible in the UK due to security restrictions. The curriculum includes: Induction, project presentation and discussion led by Air Malta Presentation and discussion led by Malta International Airport Tour of airport terminal and airside Visits to Malta Air Traffic Services, Fire Section, tour, briefing, discussions with staff Visit to Air Malta Sales Centre, tour, briefing, discussions with staff Visit to Departure Gates and aircrew preflight briefings Visit to Lufthansa Technik, tour, briefing, discussions with staff Cultural tour provided by Malta International Airport Work experience Cargo Operations Work experience Operations Inc. flight and load control Work experience Ground Operations Inc. aircraft turnaround management Work experience Passenger Operations Inc. check in, boarding, meeting and greeting Work experience Security Inc. passenger and baggage screening Work experience ground and maintenance Engineering Feedback to Section Managers by students Academy teachers and Industry Partner staff jointly developed and facilitate the programme. The Aviation Academy teaching team members take part in structured industry updates with airport and airline staff whilst the students are on placement. Both Air Malta and The Aviation Academy staff are developed through the collaborative partnership delivery. Aviation Academy teaching staff
shadow specific airline, airport managers and Air Malta staff are developed to deliver efficient turnaround using UK airport models. Learners have the opportunity to conclude their Level 3 programme by blended learning to facilitate employment opportunities with Servisair, the world s largest airport ground handling organisation. This partnership bridges the gap between education and employment. Servisair provide internships for higher education students as part of the College s HE programme. A number of the higher education students are currently employed by aviation companies such as Jet2.com, British Airways, EasyJet, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Heathrow, Gatwick, Aberdeen Airports and Servisair. Servisair actively recruit students straight from the course who have taken part in the project due to their knowledge and experience. The progression of learners into employment with Servisair is a very positive experience for us as an employer and has provided us with many good employees. Overall as an employer we are delighted to play an active part in the teaching and learning taking place at the College. Dave Rogers, Head of Operator Training, Cargo & Ground Handling, Servisair UK Ltd Partnership delivery ensures the College team are up to date with current aviation practice and aviation industry staff are developed through working collaboratively with Academy teachers to write and deliver workplace training programmes. The business relationship between Craven College and Air Malta has been growing ever since the first work experience took place in Malta 3 years ago. This year we have moved forward in getting professional training support from The Aviation Academy and also accreditation of training carried out within the aviation and ground handling industry. The level of professionalism and understanding of the industry, together with the training skills, were high. Air Malta have chosen The Aviation Academy for the training support project. George Sammut, Quality, Training and Support Manager, Air Malta Ground Services Resources Aviation Academy introductory video Aviation Academy video 2 Partners Air Malta Malta International Airport Servisair
Contacts Craven College Aviation Academy, Hangar 1, Southside Aviation Centre, Leeds Bradford International Airport, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS19 7UG Tina Gale, tgale@craven-college.ac.uk, 0113 391 0919