Thirty Newcastle College students have secured jobs at Newcastle Airport after graduating from an award-winning training programme.
The students have stepped into a range of frontline roles, including security and passenger services, after taking part in the Ambassador Programme, delivered in partnership between the Airport and the College’s Aviation Academy.
The scheme sees young people develop essential industry skills and gain valuable hands-on experience through placements across a range of Airport departments, including security and passenger services, while studying.
More than 40% of students from the programme have gone on to secure employment with the Airport and its business partners, including Swissport and Jet2.
Among those is Erin Hope Thirlaway, 18, who has joined the Airport’s security team.
She said: “The Ambassador Programme was fantastic. Getting to work with the different teams and see first-hand what it’s like to work at the Airport really helped me develop my skills and stand out when it came to applying for the job.”
Aidan Calder, 17, who now works in Passenger Services, added: “The programme was brilliant for developing my skills, especially in customer service. I love talking to passengers and meeting new people and I’m really enjoying working in the team.”
Alice Andreasen, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Newcastle Airport and Newcastle College Skills Board member, said: “We’re proud of our long-standing partnership with Newcastle College and are delighted to welcome so many students into our teams.
“The Ambassador Programme is a fantastic example of how education institutions and major employers can work together to create real opportunities for young people.
“It’s inspiring to see the students grow in confidence and develop their skills while working alongside our teams. The programme creates a clear pathway into the industry and we look forward to supporting them as they progress in their careers.”
Karen Trenerry, Assistant Head of Curriculum for Aviation at Newcastle College, said: “We are incredibly proud of the continued success of our Ambassador Programme this year.
“With over 40% of our current cohort progressing straight into employment with Newcastle Airport and key stakeholders such as Swissport and Jet2, the impact speaks for itself. This unique initiative, developed here at Newcastle College, is actively helping to close the aviation skills gap across the North East.
“It’s a programme that not only supports our students into meaningful careers but also strengthens the future of the region’s aviation industry - and that is something we are truly proud of.”
The Ambassador Programme is open to students studying at the College’s Aviation Academy – a specialist teaching facility based just off the Airport’s runway. It offers a range of courses for aspiring aviation professionals, including aeronautical engineering, aviation operations and cabin crew training.
The Academy’s state-of-the-art training facilities include a 1,500m² hangar housing real aircraft, where students can train alongside industry professionals.
For more information about the Academy and its courses, visit www.ncl-coll.ac.uk.