They're reaching for the skies at Kirklees College.

The Huddersfield-based college has signed a major contract with airline training group Skypeople to offer a professional qualification for airline cabin crew.

And the company will be running Cabin Crew Initial Training Courses using the travel and tourism facilities at the college’s Huddersfield Centre – including the mock-up aircraft cabin and check-in desk.

Kirklees College Waterfront campus light show (Gallery)
Lights at Kirklees College's Waterfront campus
View gallery

The course is the only one of its kind currently offered by a UK college and is a legislated qualification, in accordance with the European Air Safety Agency (EASA) and as approved by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Principal Peter McCann, Travel and Tourism curriculum team leader Diane Sambrook, students Zane Saghir and Chelsea Brown and Skypeople's Commercial Director Shaun Waddingham and head of training Collette de Stowe
Principal Peter McCann, Travel and Tourism curriculum team leader Diane Sambrook, students Zane Saghir and Chelsea Brown and Skypeople's Commercial Director Shaun Waddingham and head of training Collette de Stowe

The £795 course offers all the stages of the Cabin Crew Attestation (CCA) and this training can replace the first part of cabin crew training which would traditionally be delivered by the airlines.

No previous qualifications are necessary - it is open to anyone over 18 interested in joining a European-based airline as cabin crew.

Collette de Stowe, head of training at Skypeople, said: “Once they have passed the course, candidates will be ready to apply to the airline of their choice and take on their specific company training.

“A lot of the smaller airlines can’t afford to put staff through the training so it is ideal for them to get applicants who have already passed it all. Doing this training is sure to put you one step ahead of the competition!

“Kirklees College is the perfect location to deliver the course because of its outstanding facilities - they really are first class! We are delighted to come on board with them to offer this unique opportunity.”

A passenger checks in with cabin crew students Chelsea Brown and Zane Saghir
A passenger checks in with cabin crew students Chelsea Brown and Zane Saghir

Nikki Davis, head of travel and tourism at the college, said: “Our full time travel and tourism courses are really popular so this is a great extension to what we can offer.

“Our travel and tourism students will be able to progress on to the course at 18 but it is also a great opportunity for any adults, whatever their background, to train as cabin crew.

“We are delighted to be in partnership with Skypeople as they have an excellent reputation for training world class cabin crew.”