The UK’s London Gatwick Airport has launched an expanded apprenticeship program for 2023, with applications for six vacancies across four different engineering and IT roles open from Friday (Feb 17) until March 12.
Now in its 46th year, Gatwick’s apprenticeship program has seen more than 300 people graduate since 1977. The program has been designed to give young engineers and IT professionals the opportunity to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships range from two- to four-year programs and, depending on the apprenticeship, will include studying at either East Surrey College in Redhill, Nescot College in Epsom or Langley College in Slough, alongside hands-on experience at the airport.
Dave White, apprentice development lead at Gatwick Airport, said, “We are delighted to be able to expand our apprenticeship program offer this year, providing opportunities across IT as well as engineering, for the first time. The airport is an exciting and unique place for any young engineer to learn and develop their skills, and the program has proved hugely successful over the years. We are confident our new apprenticeships across IT service and cybersecurity will provide the same excellent environment for learning and development. A number of former apprentices – myself included – continue to enjoy wonderful careers at Gatwick. As part of our Apprenticeship Programme, recruits will gain a full insight into exactly what it takes to run the world’s busiest single runway airport.”
Abigail Davies, an engineering apprentice at Gatwick Airport, said, “Every day when I come to work, I know it will be different from the last. Each day provides a new learning opportunity where I can get hands-on and develop my practical skills as well as my knowledge about engineering. I’ve loved my apprenticeship so far and have enjoyed getting stuck into a variety of different engineering activities ranging from everyday maintenance and rare reactive faults.
“This apprenticeship has allowed me to continue constantly learning and improve other valuable life skills, including teamwork, leadership and communication. Working at Gatwick has also allowed me to get involved with STEM events with schools, varying from primary schools to colleges, and I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to show young people what engineering is all about and encourage them in to engineering roles. It’s been wonderful to see young people come into the engineering industry, especially young women, and it’s been amazing to help encourage them into the industry and show them they can do it.”