MAG welcomes Government focus on technical education

Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has welcomed plans announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham to raise the profile of vocational and technical education.

MAG, which runs Manchester, East Midlands and London Stansted airports, has long championed employer-led skills and employment programmes, arguing that tackling economic inactivity requires closer collaboration between government, education providers and employers. The Group, which has partnered with Trafford and Stockport College Group to support young people into careers at Manchester Airport, says work workplace experiences are key to tackling growing numbers of young people finding themselves not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Chief People Officer at MAG, Emma Crossland, said:

“More young people need clear routes into education, skills and employment if the UK is to realise its growth ambitions and build the workforce required for the future.

“As a major employer in the regions we serve, we have a responsibility to offer real-life experiences. We believe in the power of grassroots engagement – creating opportunities all the way from classroom to boardroom – to build future talent pipelines.”

MAG’s comments follow the recent Milburn Review which highlighted what it described as a systemic failure that has left almost one million young people aged 16-24 NEET and could cost the UK up to £125bn annually.

Working with schools, colleges, local authorities, charities and the Department for Work and Pensions, MAG has built an industry leading employer-led education and employment programmes, which supports people at every stage of their journey into work.

Through its Aerozones, young people aged four to 18 can explore careers in aviation through free interactive learning experiences, while Stansted Airport College and Manchester Airport Skills Hub and its three Airport Academies help people of all ages develop the skills needed for careers across aviation and beyond.

Since 2020, MAG’s programmes have supported more than 52,000 jobseekers, including more than 350 young people classed as NEET in the last year alone. Across its Airport Academies, the Group supports around 900 jobseekers every year, with more than 60% securing employment with MAG or one of its airport partners.

Emma Crossland added:

“The Milburn report brought fresh attention to one of the UK’s most pressing social and economic challenges and reinforced why tackling economic inactivity has become one of the Government’s highest priorities.

“We believe business has a critical role to play in the solution. They should not underestimate how transformative a single experience can be in the life of a young person – whether that is a conversation, a mentor, a workplace visit or an opportunity to gain real-world experience.“