Manchester Airport offering a debt free apprenticeship scheme as it scouts for new staff

Manchester Airport is calling on students from across the region to apply for a first-of-its-kind apprenticeship scheme which won’t leave them in debt.

The two-year scheme will give students experience of all the elements of an airport operation. Upon successful completion, apprentices will then be offered permanent roles at the airport, with opportunities to progress into team-leader positions and beyond as they develop through their careers.

Delivered in partnership with Trafford College, the apprenticeship will be the equivalent of a foundation degree or the first year of an undergraduate degree, with at least 30 students completing the programme, debt-free.

Apprentices’ time will be split through a combination of workplace training at the airport, and classroom-based learning delivered at the on-site Manchester Airport Academy.

Students will gain an understanding of passenger services, from check-in to security processes - before stepping out on the airfield to experience aircraft operations, ground handling, and runway management.

Their development will be supported by multiple leaders across Manchester Airport, starting with their on-the-ground Rotation Manager, all the way up to the scheme’s sponsor, Manchester Airport Managing Director, Chris Woodroofe.

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director, Manchester Airport said:

“I am so pleased to announce our new operational apprenticeship scheme today, which will provide a unique opportunity for people wanting to kick-start their career in the aviation industry.

“There really are few working environments that offer the excitement and variation that an airport does, and as one of the UK’s largest airports Manchester is a fantastic place to be immersed in the world of aviation operations.

“This new scheme is part of our long-standing commitment to delivering education and skills training to young people from across our region, and I will be proud to welcome this new cohort of apprentices later this year.”

Rad Taylor started as an apprentice at Manchester Airport, and now works as the Airport’s Aerodrome and Landside Operations Director, leading a team of 950 people who ensure that the airport’s daily operations run smoothly.

Rad said: “My apprenticeship at Manchester Airport provided me with strong foundations to forge a successful career within the aviation sector.

“Learning on the job and really getting to know the ins and outs of how an airport works gave me the knowledge and skills to progress to my current role.

“Manchester Airport gave me all of the development tools I needed to turn my apprenticeship into an exciting and fulfilling career, and I recommend anyone thinking of applying to do so.

“There really is no work environment more exciting than an airport.”

Launching the scheme is one part of Manchester Airports Group’s (MAG) Developing Talent strategy, to create managers and leader for the future of the organisation.

The launch of the scheme has been backed by regional and national stakeholders and Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham is also supportig it.

He said:“I am delighted that Manchester Airport are launching this new operational apprenticeship scheme, and proud that Manchester Airport is the pilot for this first-of-its kind scheme in the UK aviation sector.

“This apprenticeship offers young people the opportunity to get a foundational degree qualification without going into debt. This is in-line with our ambitions for the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate which is designed to maximise young people’s ability to get a good job in the growing success story of the Greater Manchester economy.”

James Scott, Principle and CEO of The Trafford College Group said:

“We are excited to launch our new Level 4 Aviation Management Apprenticeships at Manchester Airport, providing a unique and comprehensive learning experience for aspiring aviation professionals. With industry-leading experts and immersive training opportunities, apprentices will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this dynamic and ever-evolving industry.

“At The Trafford College Group, we believe in working in partnership with industry leaders, forming partnerships with purpose, and working in collaboration to meet skills needs. We are delighted to be collaborating with Manchester Airport, to create such opportunities to provide the highest quality education and training, that meet the industry’s demands and equip apprentices with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers. Together, we are shaping the future of the aviation industry.”

To apply for the programme, applicants must be at least 18 years old and be on track to achieve 80 UCAS points (equivalent to two C grades at A-Level, or two Merits and a Pass at BTEC).

Students can find out more about and apply for the scheme by logging onto Manchester Airport’s online careers portal. They have until June 30 to submit their applications.