First group of airport staff graduates from Trafford and Stockport College Group leadership programme

A group of budding managers working in various teams and departments across Manchester Airport has graduated from a leadership skills programme delivered by Trafford and Stockport College Group and the airport’s Manchester Airport Skills Hub.

The Level 3 programme, titled ‘Leading with Confidence in Aviation’, was made up of a six-session course covering leadership skills and management strategies, coupled with a written assignment.

Each of the six sessions covered a different facet of management, from looking at different organisation types and how they operate, to how to incorporate corporate values and strategies into day-to-day management. The sessions were held in a seminar style, encouraging discussion and debate between candidates.

A total of 15 learners progressed through the programme, with some students coming from the airport operator MAG and others from various partner organisations including the airport’s special assistance provider ABM, baggage handlers DHL and Swissport, and bar and restaurant operator HMS Host.

The programme was delivered through the Manchester Airport Skills Hub, a partnership between the airport and TSCG to create an industry-led talent pipeline that supports the future of aviation in the North – teaching transferrable skills but also providing students with the sector-specific knowledge and insights that they will need for a successful career in aviation.

Since 2012, nearly 2,000 learners have progressed into paid employment through joint TSCG and MAG programmes geared to entry-level work, while programmes like ‘Leading with Confidence in Aviation’ have helped the airport and its partners promote scores of colleagues from within, helping them boost their own careers while retaining their accumulated knowledge within the industry.

Among the graduates was 24-year-old Adam Doyle from Cheadle Hulme, who initially joined MAG through an apprenticeship programme offered by TSCG. Having got into an aviation career through a Skills Hub course, he was keen to take the next step via the leadership programme. Adam said:

“The course was great because it was interactive, varied, collaborative, and constantly encouraged us to test our boundaries. Learning about different leadership styles helped me better understand how leaders can adapt their approach to suit different situations, teams, and challenges. The course also encouraged self-reflection, allowing me to identify my own strengths and areas for development as a leader.

“This course has been invaluable to my development. Shortly after completing it, I was promoted to Airfield Operations Lead. In this new role, I have been able to challenge myself further and draw upon the knowledge, skills, and experiences I have gained throughout my professional career at MAG and the course.”

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, presented graduates with their certificates at a ceremony last week. He said:

“As part of the Manchester Airport Skills Hub, TSCG is proud to play a leading role in developing future talent, growing careers and driving business success. Together with our partners, we’re creating opportunities that help individuals thrive and organisations evolve.

“Our Leading with Confidence in Aviation programme is a powerful example of what we can achieve through collaboration—working alongside employers to co-create learning that responds to real business needs and future challenges.

“This partnership is already making a meaningful difference for individuals, businesses and the wider community.”

James Scott, CEO, Trafford and Stockport College Group, said:

“At Manchester Airport we’re proud to serve the people of Greater Manchester and the North, and that doesn’t just mean by flying people to the places they want to travel to – it also means giving local people the chance to access unique employment opportunities and embark on a rewarding career.

“The Skills Hub is a key part of how we achieve that – and as this programme shows, it’s not just about getting people into a role with ourselves or one of our partners, it’s about helping them grow into increasingly senior management positions and retaining emerging talent within the industry. It’s fantastic to see examples of colleagues on this course who started their aviation careers in an entry-level role – through Skills Hub apprenticeships in some cases – and who are now taking steps towards becoming the airport leaders of the future.”