Aerospace industry leader takes up UCLan role

Andrew Schofield, who worked for BAE Systems for more than 40 years, has been awarded an Honorary Professorship at the University of Central Lancashire.

The aerospace expert has joined the School of Engineering and Computing, where he will be involved in student engagement and providing industrial support as the University develops its provision in air and space engineering.

Andrew began his engineering career with BAE Systems in 1979 as a technologist apprentice, rising through the ranks to when he left the company in 2022 as director of programme technology Integration.

He is currently the chair of the North West Aerospace Alliance, a member of a number of UK advisory groups and director of his consultancy business.

Andrew said: “I am delighted to have been awarded this honorary position at UCLan. The work the University does is having a significant impact on the success and prominence in the North West across the aerospace and space sectors.

"I am looking forward to supporting the drive to ensure that the region remains at the forefront of innovation and continues to provide the talent pipeline required to succeed.”

Prof St John Crean, UCLan pro-vice chancellor, added: “Andy is an incredibly experienced leader in the aerospace industry and we are delighted that he is willing to share the decades of experience with our students who will benefit immensely.”

The University has invested heavily in its engineering provision in recent years, most notably through its £35m Engineering and Innovation Centre (EIC) that is home to state-of-the-art aerospace technology including cutting-edge software tools, flight simulators and unmanned air vehicles (UAVs).