Gatwick Airport Donation Brings Real-World Training to Crawley College  

Crawley College has received an exciting vehicle donation from London Gatwick Airport, helping bring real-world industry experience directly into motor vehicle and STEM training.  

The former operations vehicle is one of three donations by the national airport, with other cars being donated to both Chichester College and Northbrook College, all part of the Chichester College Group (CCG).  

Each vehicle is now being used by students and apprentices as part of hands-on learning in engineering, diagnostics, and modern vehicle systems, enhancing opportunities for them across the group.  

The opportunity arose when Simon Miller of London Gatwick Airport contacted Marcus Ford, Professional Learning Coach at Crawley College, to explore how the airport’s fleet vehicles could support technical education.  

Following these discussions, it was agreed that each of the three CCG colleges offering motor vehicle courses would receive a vehicle, with Gatwick Airport arranging delivery to each campus.  

Each donated Mitsubishi Shogun remains still fitted with many of its original operational features, including emergency lighting, roof-mounted equipment, airfield communication hardware and specialist airport livery.  

To recognise the partnership, bespoke vinyl graphics have been added to the vehicles, highlighting collaboration between Gatwick Airport and the Chichester College Group and reinforcing their new role in education.  

Marcus Ford said:  
“Since acquiring the vehicles, apprentices are already benefiting from them, as they contain so many relevant systems for students to work on.  

“A huge thank you to Gatwick Airport for this amazing gesture. It symbolises the continual partnership between industry and education, helping support both our students and the wider community.”  

To read more about the motor vehicle courses available at the college, please click here.