Manchester Airport announces new apprenticeship scheme

Manchester Airport is calling on students from across Greater Manchester and Cheshire to apply for a first-of-its-kind apprenticeship scheme.

The scheme aims to create a new route for future aviation leaders to start their careers in the sector, offering students experience of all the elements of an airport operation. Upon successful completion after two years, apprentices will be offered permanent roles at the airport, with opportunities to progress into team-leader positions and beyond as they develop through their careers.

Delivered in partnership with Trafford College, the apprenticeship will be the equivalent of a foundation degree or the first year of an undergraduate degree, with at least 30 students completing the programme, debt-free and with incremental pay increases across the duration of their course. Apprentices’ time will be split through a combination of workplace training at the airport, and classroom-based learning delivered at the on-site Manchester Airport Academy.

Apprentices’ development will also be supported by multiple leaders across Manchester Airport, starting with their on-the-ground Rotation Manager, all the way up to the scheme’s sponsor, Manchester Airport Managing Director, Chris Woodroofe.

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director, Manchester Airport said:

“I am so pleased to announce our new operational apprenticeship scheme today, which will provide a unique opportunity for people wanting to kick-start their career in the aviation industry.

“There really are few working environments that offer the excitement and variation that an airport does, and as one of the UK’s largest airports Manchester is a fantastic place to be immersed in the world of aviation operations.

“This new scheme is part of our long-standing commitment to delivering education and skills training to young people from across our region, and I will be proud to welcome this new cohort of apprentices later this year.”

Places on the maiden apprenticeship course have been initially offered exclusively in surrounding communities in Greater Manchester and Cheshire and promoted to local school sixth forms and colleges, as part of the airport’s commitment to providing opportunities to those living nearby. Applicants must be 18 or over, and be on track to achieve 80 UCAS points (e.g. two C grades at A level, or two Merits and a Pass for BTEC qualifications).

The apprenticeship scheme underpins the strategy for delivering education and skills training across the region Manchester Airport serves, and to provide students with more choice when they leave education, offering a paid role with a structured development programme.

Launching the scheme is one part of Manchester Airports Group’s (MAG) Developing Talent strategy, to create managers and leader for the future of the organisation. Building apprenticeship programmes like this one is also a key feature of MAG’s CSR Strategy, which has “Opportunity for All” as a central pillar, with the Group firmly committed to ensuring it gives the widest possible access to jobs and training at its airports.

Manchester Airport has a long history of delivering different kinds of apprenticeships and has seen numerous colleagues start successful careers at the airport after completing them.

Rad Taylor started as an apprentice at Manchester Airport, and now works as the Airport’s Aerodrome and Landside Operations Director, leading a team of 950 people who ensure that the airport’s daily operations run smoothly. Rad said:

“My apprenticeship at Manchester Airport provided me with strong foundations to forge a successful career within the aviation sector.

“Learning on the job and really getting to know the ins and outs of how an airport works gave me the knowledge and skills to progress to my current role.

“Manchester Airport gave me all of the development tools I needed to turn my apprenticeship into an exciting and fulfilling career, and I recommend anyone thinking of applying to do so.

“There really is no work environment more exciting than an airport.”

James Scott, Principal and CEO of The Trafford College Group said:

“We are excited to launch our new Level 4 Aviation Management Apprenticeships at Manchester Airport, providing a unique and comprehensive learning experience for aspiring aviation professionals. With industry-leading experts and immersive training opportunities, apprentices will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this dynamic and ever-evolving industry.

“At The Trafford College Group, we believe in working in partnership with industry leaders, forming partnerships with purpose, and working in collaboration to meet skills needs. We are delighted to be collaborating with Manchester Airport, to create such opportunities to provide the highest quality education and training, that meet the industry’s demands and equip apprentices with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers. Together, we are shaping the future of the aviation industry.

“Working together with Manchester Airport, we are committed to delivering high-quality apprenticeships that inspire the next generation of aviation professionals and help to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the industry.

“This is an exciting partnership, creating opportunities for our local community to study towards a higher apprenticeship in aviation management and start a career in the industry”.

Students can find out more about and apply for the scheme by logging onto Manchester Airport’s online careers portal. They have until 30^th June to submit their applications.