The Aerospace, Space and Technology Application Centre (ASTAC) project is set to create a Technology, Skills & Training Centre in the heart of the Prestwick Aerospace Cluster. ASTAC will focus on support to the supply chain for the aerospace and aeronautics sectors working closely with industry and academic partners. The centre will create facilities to support academic, business, and industrial technology development, skills and training, and applied research and development.
Innovation will focus on implementation of industry 4.0 across the whole supply chain supporting productivity innovation and industrialisation of new digital and other emerging technologies that facilitate industry applications to Technology Readiness level (TRL) 5 and above. The initial focus will be on the introduction of Industry 4.0 techniques and process and related skills development associated with the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) sector. ASTAC will support the development of training and creating additional skilled resources to ensure the MRO sector at Prestwick can remain competitive, as well as providing opportunities for staff retention and development at a time when there is pressure to improve efficiency, productivity, and capacity.
Future developments will support wider opportunities in both the aerospace and aeronautical sector. The centre aims to support UK Aerospace and Space suppliers in exploiting opportunities arising from technology changes by improving skills and access to accredited training within established supply chains. The project will provide a means to engage a higher proportion of SME’s in the innovation process and will be complimentary to existing centres such as the Spirit Aerospace Innovation Centre, National Manufacturing Institute of Scotland (NMIS) and the wider catapult network.
This project will be funded by three partners:
· £6 million from South Ayrshire Council;
· £4 million from the UK Government;
· £1 million from the Scottish Government.