The partnership between Lincoln College Group in the UK and Morocco’s aeronautics training institute IMA (l’Institut des Métiers de l’Aéronautique) represents a pioneering step in bilateral collaboration between countries in the aeronautics training sector. Initiated in 2024 with the support of the British Council through the Going Global Partnerships programme, this partnership reflects a shared ambition to raise the quality, relevance, and international outlook of technical training in the highly specialised and fast-evolving industry of aeronautics. Over the course of two partnership visits—one in Morocco and one in the UK—both institutions explored avenues for deeper collaboration, including curriculum development, staff development, and alignment with industry needs.
The first visit involved a UK delegation from Lincoln College’s Air & Space Institute, along with representatives from their industry partner Eagle Eye Innovations, who travelled to IMA in Casablanca, Morocco. The visit provided an opportunity to explore IMA’s facilities, engage with their leadership and training staff, and initiate conversations around curriculum structures and the evolving needs of the aeronautics labour market in both countries. A key component of the visit was a roundtable discussion involving GIMAS (Groupement des Industries Marocaines Aéronautiques et Spatiales), Morocco’s aeronautics industry group, which added valuable employer insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Particular attention was given to the inclusion of women in aeronautics training, which had been identified as a shared priority between the partner institutions. The visit concluded with the agreement to draft a joint roadmap for collaboration focused on developing shared curriculum content, enhancing trainer capacity, and embedding employability skills throughout the training journey.
For their reciprocal partnership visit, a Moroccan delegation from IMA travelled to the UK to visit Lincoln College and their dedicated Air & Space Institute (ASI). The programme included immersive site tours of classrooms, simulation environments, and technical training spaces, giving the Moroccan delegates a first-hand look at the UK’s approach to practical, industry-aligned education in aeronautics. Meetings were held with academic and operational staff to discuss training delivery models, accreditation systems, and the integration of soft skills and professional readiness in aeronautics programmes. There was also dedicated time to exchange insights on strategies for increasing female participation in the sector, including targeted outreach, mentoring, and inclusive learning environments. Across the two visits, the organisations on both sides of the partnership highlighted a strong alignment in values, especially around hands-on training, responsiveness to employer needs, and the importance of learner-centred pedagogy.
These reciprocal visits served as a foundation for a growing partnership rooted in mutual learning and a commitment to international collaboration. As a result of the engagement, Lincoln College and IMA are now exploring joint activities such as staff exchanges, collaborative curriculum development, and potentially co-branded short courses and certifications. Discussions are also underway to integrate areas such as drone technology and digital learning tools into future cooperation.
Beyond institutional development, this partnership is contributing to broader policy goals in both countries—supporting Morocco’s national strategy to modernise and internationalise its vocational training ecosystem; and reinforcing the UK’s objectives of building global education partnerships that create shared value. As the partnership evolves, it is expected to serve as a model for technical and vocational collaboration, particularly in priority sectors like aerospace, where innovation, safety, and workforce readiness are key.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in UK–Morocco cooperation and stands as a flagship example of how targeted international collaboration can strengthen national training systems and prepare the next generation for the opportunities and challenges of a global industry.
