First apprentices graduate from new airport management course

The first apprentices have graduated from an in-depth two-year course run in partnership by Manchester Airport and Trafford and Stockport College Group (TSCG).

A group of 11 apprentices completed the Level 3 Aviation Ground Specialist course, which was welcomed by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham when it was launched in 2023. The programme is unique in giving students experience of all the elements of an airport operation. It was broken down into four separate work placements in different roles across the airport with supervision and mentoring from experienced aviation professionals, from terminal operations to airfield safety, ground handling and runway management.

Each placement was supplemented by in-person learning where apprentices studied the operational models of airports across the globe, the development of airport operations best practice and how the aviation industry is evolving and adapting to new technology. Apprentices also had the opportunity to review and discuss their placements and practice interview technique.

Places on the course were promoted to local school sixth forms and colleges, as part of the airport’s commitment to providing opportunities to those living nearby. Its launch formed part of Manchester Airports Group’s (MAG) Developing Talent strategy, to nurture future managers and leaders for the business and the aviation sector more widely. TSCG and Manchester Airport also offer a range of other courses in collaboration, including a Team Leader & Supervisor Apprenticeship for existing airport staff who want to take the next step in their careers.

The launch of the Aviation Ground Specialist programme and Team Leader programme reflect the strength and ambition of the partnership between Trafford & Stockport College Group and Manchester Airport Group.

Delivered through the Manchester Airport Skills Hub, the programmes were developed in close collaboration with MAG to create an industry led talent pipeline that supports the future of aviation in the region.

Since 2012, nearly 2,000 learners have progressed into paid employment through joint TSCG and MAG programmes, with over half of those securing roles within weeks of completing their training.

Among them was 20-year-old Oscar Pearson Leach from Stockport. Oscar always knew he wanted to work in aviation and had ambitions to become a pilot when he was younger, but was put off by the high cost of gaining a commercial pilot’s license. He had done work experience at the airport and then worked part-time in retail prior to beginning the course. Not only has he now graduated from his apprenticeship, he has also secured a contract with MAG as a Safety and Compliance officer. Oscar said:

“I first saw the course on the airport careers website. I was just looking for something short-term for the summer but saw this and it looked like an ideal way into the aviation industry and an opportunity too good to miss. The course has definitely opened my eyes to other opportunities for careers in the industry that I didn’t even know existed – whether that’s in management, operations, or office based – there are so many career paths that you wouldn’t really see as a passenger using the airport.

“It was great to get so much practical experience on the placements. You’re doing the same things that full time staff are doing – from airfield control to safety audits and compliance-based tasks. We weren’t just extras, we were counted into numbers on the team roster, so you really felt you were bring trusted with those responsibilities.

“The biggest challenge was adapting to a shift pattern, which is not something I’d done before, but it was also a win because it was an insight into the way things really work at an airport. Airports are 24/7 operations, they don’t sleep and a lot of the action goes on at night when planes are on the ground and most people are tucked up in bed!”