SETU hosted the ‘Celebrating Aerospace’ event, an exciting launch that highlights the University’s expansion in aerospace education and training.
Hosted at SETU’s campus in Carlow, the event brought together academics, industry leaders, and public representatives to discuss key opportunities in the aerospace sector. It reinforced SETU’s commitment to developing and nurturing globally competitive talent for this growing industry.
“Today offers us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a range of recent aerospace achievements at SETU: the announcement of our new Aircraft Mechanic apprenticeship; the signing of our recent MoU agreement with Waterford Airport; and the launch of our ‘Master of Engineering in Flight Test Engineering’ postgraduate programme.”
Prof. Campbell continued, “The significance of our EASA compliance for apprenticeship delivery, as well as the rollout out of the new M.Eng. in Flight Test Engineering, means that SETU is now providing a comprehensive range of pathways in aerospace education and training. Our collaboration with Waterford Airport is perfectly placed and resourced to provide a strong research and development alliance in flight testing small aircraft and unmanned air vehicles.”
Prof. Campbell concluded, “Built on a foundation of excellence and innovative thinking, aerospace education and training at SETU exemplifies much of the values and ambition that SETU seeks to embody. Having responded to a global opportunity and developed a comprehensive offering in aerospace education over the years, our aerospace team has positioned itself as an innovator in this field.”
Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU.
EASA Part-147 Compliance
As part of the event, SETU celebrated its achievement of EASA Part-147 compliance, supporting the delivery of the aircraft mechanic apprenticeship. This makes SETU one of only two technological universities in Ireland with this distinction. This programme will play a crucial role in equipping future aircraft mechanics with the skills necessary to support Ireland’s thriving aviation sector.
“SETU is at the forefront of aerospace education and training. By launching new programmes and forming strategic partnerships, we are ensuring that our graduates have the skills and expertise needed to meet the evolving demands of the aerospace industry.”
Dr Frances Hardiman, Head (Carlow) Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment.
MoU with Waterford Airport
Additionally, the event celebrated SETU having signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Waterford Airport to develop a National Aerospace Academy, specialising in Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs). The MoU is a collaboration that will support the growing offshore sector in the southeast of Ireland, fostering climate-focused research capabilities and further strengthening Ireland’s aerospace ecosystem.
“Ireland is a global leader in aviation and aerospace. SETU’s partnership and collaboration with Waterford Airport and its newly achieved EASA compliance, combined with its outstanding academic training via its aerospace programmes, ensures the southeast region will continue to drive innovation in this sector. SETU’s commitment to education, research, and industry collaboration is vital for sustaining this momentum, together with the momentum to quickly progress the Waterford Airport project to lengthen and widen the runway."
Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Member of the European Parliament (MEP), who sits on the Transport Committee in the EP emphasised the impact of these developments.
Representatives from leading airlines, maintenance organisations, engineering companies, the Air Corps, Waterford Airport, and government officials attended the launch, underscoring the strong industry collaboration that SETU fosters.
Launch of Master of Engineering in Flight Test Engineering
Another major milestone also celebrated at the event, is SETU’s announcement of the roll out of its Master of Engineering in Flight Test Engineering programme. This is a cutting-edge programme aimed at an international audience that will deliver high-calibre, specialist education to meet global aviation standards.
Event attendees also heard about SETU’s apprenticeship, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes in aircraft maintenance engineering.
‘Celebrating Aerospace’ is a testament to SETU’s ongoing dedication to pioneering education, research, and industry partnerships that drive the future of aviation and aerospace.
