I struggled to find work but now I have so much opportunity - Manchester Airport Academy
20 people have become the first to graduate from Manchester Airport’s new academy this week.
Manchester Airport, said: The scheme, run in partnership with Trafford & Stockport College Group, offers an immersive two-week introduction to working in the aviation industry. It is designed for those who are long-term unemployed, do not have qualifications or have faced challenges getting into stable full-time work.”
The potential new employees get the opportunity to experience working life with the help of a colleague, take part in customer service scenarios, learn interview skills and enrol in a CV workshop.
After graduating, the airport helps the participants to secure a job on site.
Marcella M’Rabety, Head of Social Sustainability at Manchester Airport, said: “There is such a wide range of career options on offer here, and we’re pleased that this new course, delivered in partnership with Trafford & Stockport College Group, is now providing access to those opportunities for local people who have struggled to find stable full-time employment for a range of reasons.”
Venus Yarahmady, is an academy graduate from Stockport who had been working as a self-employed community interpreter for 10 years but is now looking for a more stable job.
She said: “The airport seems like an interesting environment to work in, and I’ve learned a lot of new skills already over the course of the 10-day programme, both in terms of customer service and preparing for interview when applying for roles. It has really helped me increase my confidence.”
20-year-old Abdul Pervez, from Longsight is also looking for a full-time job after completing the academy, he previously worked as a part-time steward for a local football club.
He said: “I am fascinated by aviation in general but I’m particularly keen to take up a role in airport security because I think it fits well with my previous work experience in stewarding. The Airport Academy course has been a fantastic experience and has taught me a lot – everything from situational training and supporting passengers, down to interview techniques like the ‘STAR’ method. I feel like it has given me the skills I need to apply for the kinds of roles I am looking for.”
Referrals to the programme are made through Jobcentre Plus but jobseekers can self-refer to the academy.