Runner-up at national aviation awards | News | University College Birmingham

September 2025

University hailed best training provider runner-up at aviation industry awards

By Melanie Hall

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University College Birmingham is flying high after being hailed runner-up for best training provider at the aviation industry's national awards.

The University was up for the Aviation Professional Training Award at the Aviation Industry Awards at Park Plaza Riverbank, London, attended by the University's aviation lecturing team, as well as staff from the Department of Hospitality and Tourism and alumni.

Katie Bickley, senior lecturer and programme lead, said: "We were just pipped at the post, but are incredibly proud to make the finals of such a huge event for the industry.

"Our experienced team is amazing and dedicated to improving the industry and in past year alone, over 50 of our graduates entered the industry in positions such as airport operations managers and sustainability managers.

"To be recognised for our impact on the aviation sector and commitment to safety, sustainability and innovation is incredible."

The annual Aviation Industry Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of all UK aviation stakeholders, from airlines and airports to cutting-edge manufacturers and innovative suppliers.

With over 75 years’ experience in tourism training, University College Birmingham was up against Blake Emergency Services, Crosby Aviation Training and DHL Air (UK) for the award, open to any training institution, technical training college or business involved in the delivery of aviation related training in the UK.

Entrants needed to have made a significant contribution to aviation training, particularly in the areas of light crew, cabin crew, safety, engineering, technical or other specialist aviation training in the last 12 months.

Judges specifically looked at how institutions delivered on core objectives around curriculum, development of course accreditation, how courses improved students' effectiveness in the wider industry and their contribution to aviation safety improvement.

The University's Aviation and Tourism suite mock cabin

Located in Birmingham near a major airport and a diverse student base from 90 countries, the University is accredited as an Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) Centre of Excellence, offering students industry recognition and professional opportunities.

Courses include BA (Hons), FdA and MSc in Aviation and Airport Management, led by a team with over 50 years’ collective industry experience at the likes of British Airways, Dubai Airport and Kenya Airways. Key modules focus on aviation safety, crew resource management, and professional development, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for leadership and operational roles.

The curriculum, designed alongside industry experts such as Swissport and British Airways, blends theory with practical skills, including real-world consultancy projects and simulations. It is regularly updated, with staff spending time in the aviation sector to keep knowledge current.

Over 150 students join the courses, training in a £400k Aviation and Tourism Suite with a mock plane cabin, check-in areas and Galileo GDS system. There are also optional placements at the likes of Collins Aerospace and Lufthansa.

Alumnus Sam Salter

Sam Salter attended the awards with the aviation team as a hugely successful alumnus who studied Aviation and Airport Management BA (Hons) at University College Birmingham.

On gaining a first class degree from the University in 2019, he was snapped up as a business leadership graduate for Collins Aerospace and now works in business development for aviation and aerospace component manufacturer Safran.

He said: "The uniqueness of my degree set me apart. The modules were varied and there is a genuine correlation between what you study and real-life working. Millions of dollars could be on the line and learning time-management is a must. The international trips were great for adding another twist to assignments."

Find out more about University College Birmingham's aviation courses, tourism courses and hospitality courses, which you can apply for through Clearing today.