SKIPTON-based Craven College will soon be training the pilots of the future.

The college's aviation academy at Leeds-Bradford Airport already runs courses for students hoping to embark on careers as cabin crew or in air traffic control and passenger service.

But now the college is about to start another phase of the venture, which will take place over 10 years and cost several million pounds.

It will provide training for pilots and aviation engineers.

Principal Alan Blackwell explained that currently there was a shortage of pilots and aviation engineers in the UK, jobs which traditionally attracted high salaries.

Mr Blackwell said: "There will be some fantastic opportunities for people from Craven.

"They will be able to attend courses and work with the college and become highly sought-after aviation engineers and pilots."

The aviation academy is part of the college's centre for travel and tourism studies.

Opened in September, the academy has already acquired Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) status and is only one of three in the country to hold the accolade for aviation.

It has been developed in conjunction with Multiflight and supported by The Learning and Skills Council and Yorkshire Forward.

Mr Blackwell explained that the idea for the academy came after agricultural students were given access to the auction mart.

"We have adopted the same concept here. Where better to train people who want a career in the aviation industry than at an airport?" he said.

The courses combine classroom-based learning with practical experience, such as emergency evacuation from an aircraft.

The academy has 47 full-time students, along with part-time learners. The vast majority have jobs lined up for when the course finishes this month.

Eighteen-year-old Martin Beston has got a post as an air steward for Astraeus, which runs scheduled and chartered flights. He will be based at Leeds Bradford airport.

And Gary Cherryholme, 50, plans to become an air traffic controller and had a job offer from Doncaster airport only a month after starting the course but had to turn it down so he could continue his studies.

He said he had found the course hugely beneficial. "We are within a stone's throw of the airport.

"You can smell it, you walk around and see the people. You literally live, eat and sleep it," he added.

The academy is throwing open its doors for an open day on Thursday March 30. To book a place call student services on 01756 708008. To find out more about the centre visit www.theaviationacademy.co.uk