Apprenticeships investment hits £3 million at Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport has revealed it has invested £3 million in its apprenticeship programme since 2017, as the hub marks National Apprenticeship Week (10-16th February).

More than 440 apprentices have joined the airport since it adopted its current scheme in 2017 and more than 100 apprentices are currently enrolled, in fields as varied as engineering, aviation operations, firefighting and data analytics. The programme is delivered in partnership with a number of universities and further education institutions, which provide teaching components on the 23 Apprenticeship Standards currently offered at Manchester Airport.

Those taking part in schemes have described their apprenticeships at Manchester Airport as ‘a great opportunity’ to build an exciting career in the aviation industry.

23-year-old Dominic Miles (pictured), from Wilmslow, is taking a Level 3 Bus and Coach Engineering apprenticeship at Manchester Airport. He is due to complete his course by July 2026. He explained:

“I wanted to study to improve my knowledge and my skills, but I also wanted to work at the same time to get the hands-on experience.

“Most of my day-to-day work involves maintaining the airport’s bus fleet, which is in line with what I am learning in college, so I can put what I have learnt into practice. I do still get to work on a wide range of vehicles from across the airport, which is great, as it allows me to hone my skills in other areas.

“With my responsibilities, I work alongside a mentor to service and maintain the bus fleet. Since I passed my first year, I got more independence to develop my skills whilst still having my mentor to double check my methods and results.

“My aspirations are to learn as much as I can and grab any opportunity I can for extra training. If you’re considering an apprenticeship, I’d say definitely go for it – it’s a great opportunity not just to gain a qualification but to set yourself up for a long career.”

Further information on the airport’s apprenticeship programme can be found on the Manchester Airport website.