Ford Aerospace, one of the most successful engineering businesses in our region, has teamed up with Gateshead College to set up the Ford Aerospace Academy.
Designed to help you to build the skills, knowledge and confidence employers are looking for.
The academy will put you in the best possible position to go onto successfully securing an engineering or manufacturing apprenticeship or your first job in the industry.
Key benefits
About the academy
Pioneered by the late Geoff Ford MBE, the academy was set up to give young people the skills, knowledge and experience they need to start a successful engineering career or find an apprenticeship.
As Chairman of Ford Aerospace, a multi-million pound business that supplies precision machined components to the global aerospace market, Geoff recognised a need to provide good quality, foundation training that focused on developing both the skills and attitudes that employers are looking for and was passionate about developing a skilled engineering workforce of the future.
The year long programme will include the key skills and knowledge of engineering:
The qualification will also cover:
You will need 3 GCSEs at grade 3 or above in maths, English and a Science subject.
You will require an assessment and interview to assess your level
This qualification gives you knowledge and understanding of a broad range of engineeringcompetencies.
It covers the intermediate knowledge, understanding and skills that are required by someone working in the engineering industry.
It takes a hands-on approach to intermediate engineering training by providing you with:
Our highly skilled and experienced team of engineers will work with you to help you build the skills and knowledge employers require for your career in engineering.
Each of the team has served their time in their industries and can use their skillset to help prepare you for your career.
You will take part in a meaningful work experience placement with one our of partners.
The placement will be designed to help you put your learning into practice and will offer a valuable opportunity to get a taste of the real world of work, feedback from engineering mentors and the chance to see for yourself what an apprenticeship or job in engineering might be like.
Our partners include:
Our workshops and equipment are industry standard and include a range mechanical maintenance equipment including:
When you finish the course, you can:
There may be a cost for a uniform such as safety boots and overalls.
We’ll let you know more about this during the enrolment process.
“The training gave me the skills, experience and confidence I needed to start my apprenticeship. Now I can continue to learn my trade on the shop floor at a great company whilst earning a wage.” – Rhys Donald, Ford Aerospace Apprentice.
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.
We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
Our specialist teams can help with:
See here for more information, pop into one of our enrolment events, call us on 0191 490 4627.
This course is free to those aged under 19 years old.
Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free or reduced price course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.
If you already have a full level 3 qualification and are aged 19 years over, you can apply for an Advanced Learning Loan or pay the fee upfront in full and qualify for a 10% discount.
You can get more information at our enrolment events, by calling 0191 490 0300 or email us at [email protected]
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college. We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
To contact our dedicated Learning Support team email [email protected] or head to Live Chat
Knowledge
Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Economics and Accounting: Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Median Salary
£67,398
Averge Qualifications
Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
£45,616
Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Psychology: Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.
£21,718
Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
£53,653
Clerical: Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
£25,742
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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Monday 23 March 2026
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Thursday 26 March 2026
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View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.