Heathrow and 31 airport-based business have pledged to recruit and train 516 apprentices this year as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
The amount is up from 455 in 2016, with Heathrow creating 125 new apprenticeships, Omniserv offering 50 and Travelax making 40, among other businesses including World Duty Free, Gate Gourmet and Balfour Beatty.
Paula Stannett, Heathrow’s chief people officer, said, “With 76,000 people at Heathrow, apprentices are a critical part of our talent pipeline, bringing fresh ideas and innovative ways of working to ensure that the airport runs smoothly and our passengers receive great service.
“By pledging a record-breaking 516 apprenticeships, Heathrow and our partner businesses are sending a clear message that there is a place for everyone at the airport – whatever your career ambition, we’ll help you get there.”
Heathrow is an economic driver in West London and the Thames Valley, supporting one in five jobs in the area.
The airport’s expansion will create 10,000 new apprenticeships. Chaired by Lord David Blunkett, the Heathrow Skills Taskforce will identify the skills and training programs that need to be put in place for local people to benefit from these opportunities and build their career at the airport.
Lord Blunkett commented, “The Skills Taskforce I chair is helping young people in schools and colleges get the skills they need to become the next generation of airport managers, engineers and air traffic controllers.
“They will be taking advantage of the opportunities created by the airport’s expansion but, already, we can see the airport’s businesses stepping up to deliver over 500 apprenticeships through the Heathrow Academy this year.”