Airbus is amongst the companies backing the partnership

Barry College in the Vale of Glamorgan and Deeside College, Flintshire, will be offering training in both manufacturing and maintenance.

The partnership has been given Civil Aviation Authority approval, which means it can offer training that is recognised across the world.

It is also being supported by aerospace giants, Airbus.

Officially unveiling the partnership on Friday, the Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones said: "Wales already has a dynamic aerospace sector, with over 180 companies employing more than 20,000 people, and with potential for further advance.

"This multiple link-up between world-class companies and further education is exactly the co-operation we need in our drive to ensure a prosperous 21st century Wales."

Training

In addition to backing from Airbus, which makes wings for its flagship super-jumbo at its Broughton plant in Flintshire, the partnership has won support from multinational Chevron and the travel firm Thomas Cook.

It means training is now being provided to support maintenance checks and repairs on all MyTravel aircraft at Manchester international airport.

Developing the partnership between the colleges at two ends of Wales has been supported by the assembly government to the tune of �330k.

David Jones, Principal of Deeside College, said: "We're grateful to the Welsh Assembly Government for this substantial grant which has enabled us to invest in this specialist area, to support aircraft manufacturing and maintenance companies such as Airbus UK and their supply chain, and tour operators such as MyTravel and First Choice."

Mr Jones's counterpart at Barry College, Paul Halstead added: "Aircraft engineering pushes the boundaries of technology and it is vitally important that centres of aerospace training keep pace with that technology.

"This project will ensure that Wales continues to be well placed to provide the skills needed by its own employers and is capable of responding to the wider, global market."