Manchester Airport celebrates Skills Hub milestone

More than 100 young people have now progressed through Manchester Airport Skills Hub’s Future Talent Pathways programme, run in partnership with Trafford & Stockport College Group (TSCG).

The hub aims to create an industry-led talent pipeline that supports the future of aviation in the North – teaching transferrable skills but also providing young people and adults with the sector-specific knowledge and insights that they will need for a successful career in aviation. The Future Talent Pathways programme engages with employers across the airport site, with the objective of opening up more entry-level opportunities for young people. 

The programme has reached 104 young people in its first year, with more than 90% of Year 2 Aviation Operations learners progressing into roles at Manchester Airport. Other highlights from the Skills Hub’s other activities in its first year include 329 adult jobseekers supported through pre-employment programmes against a target of 300, with 27 participating employers; a 100% pass rate and 90% Merit/Distinction achievement for apprentices; and 29 existing airport employees engaged in pilot workforce development.

The project and MAG won the Business Engagement Award at the prestigious Educate North Awards, recognising its innovative employer-led approach to developing aviation skills, creating employment opportunities and supporting workforce resilience. Further recognition followed at the Trafford & Stockport College Group Partnerships in Excellence, Apprenticeship and Skills Awards, where Manchester Airports Group was named Overall Partner of the Year.

Marcella M’Rabety, Head of Social Sustainability at Manchester Airport, said:

“At Manchester Airport we’re proud to serve the people of Greater Manchester and the North, and we do that not only by connecting people to their destination of choice, but also by giving local people the opportunity to access rewarding and fulfilling careers.

“The Skills Hub is a key part of our strategy to open up even more opportunities, particularly for young people including NEETs looking to take their first step on the career ladder. I’m delighted that, as we mark World Youth Skills Day, we’re able to reflect on a really successful first year for the Skills Hub, with career opportunities created for more than 100 young people. Not only have we helped people into careers at the airport, we’ve also helped some of our existing employees to upskill and given adults who have been out of education or employment the chance to build the skillset necessary to find a job.

“We’re not content to stop there, however. We have ambitions to reach over 4,000 people in the next five years and that will include the launch of a virtual Airport College for 16- to 19-year-olds, along with expanding our range of pre-employment courses.”

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

“Our partnership with Manchester Airport is helping young people develop the skills, experience and confidence needed to go on and build successful careers in aviation.

“Through the Skills Hub, students gain a deeper understanding of the industry, while employers benefit from access to a pipeline of talented future employees.

“It’s fantastic to see so many young people already progressing into roles at the airport, demonstrating the positive impact that can be achieved when education and industry work together.”