Ten Middlesbrough College students have seen their careers begin to take off after securing roles with teams working across almost every part of Teesside International Airport.
The young people have all been studying Airport and Airline Management at the college and are all at different stages of their studies. Some have just finished their degrees while others are beginning to embark on the course or start top-up degrees to earn the qualification.
This has given them the skills they need to take up posts in security, check-in, passenger and information services, the new Goosepool Bar and, soon, the new duty free store created as part of the airport’s multimillion-pound transformation.
Three students, Chloe Kidd, Keira Hurry and Blysse Hopkins, are even helping break stereotypes by taking up the role of ramp agents – ground operations personnel supporting aircraft handling, servicing and baggage loading – which is a traditionally male-dominated role.
The jobs are just another way Teesside Airport and its partners are supporting local people into employment, as well as working with learning providers such as Middlesbrough College to take advantage of the vital expertise and knowledge they are giving to their students.
Chloe said: “I’m really happy to be working at Teesside Airport. The airport is on my doorstep because I’m from Guisborough, and it’s really nice to watch the airport grow from the inside as well as from the outside. The developments look absolutely fantastic, and getting new equipment on the ramp as well makes it even better.”
Abbie Etherington, now working in the airport’s information services team, said: “I’ve always had an absolute passion for the travel industry and aviation. Being able to do my course at Middlesbrough College has got me where I am today – working in an airport environment, which I’ve wanted to do for a long time.
“Everyone is really friendly, it’s always nice and busy and there’s never a dull day. It’s incredible to see how far it’s come, and everyone has done an amazing job to get it back on track, where it belongs.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Our fantastic further education institutions are preparing young people from across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool with the skills they need to succeed right here, and I’m delighted Teesside Airport can play a small part in supporting these students.
“By supporting young people, one of the groups hardest hit economically by the coronavirus pandemic, we’re showing them they don’t need to leave the region to secure good-quality, well-paid jobs. I hope they are as proud as we are for them to be adding value to our airport, helping turn it around and keep it flying for generations to come.
“Only by working closely with Middlesbrough College, other institutions and our brilliant businesses can we make sure the right skills are being delivered to the right people, filling the gaps our companies are crying out for and helping them, and our workers, to thrive and grow.”
Sarah Sutcliffe, Aviation Programme Leader at Middlesbrough College, said: “After a difficult year for the aviation industry, students studying Airport and Airline Management at Middlesbrough College have used their learning and seen their careers take off with opportunities arising at our local airport.
“The recent successful growth of Teesside International Airport has meant opportunities have been presented and our relationship with the airport has offered a pathway for our students to switch from classroom to airport and transfer their learning to real life. Our aviation and travel courses play an important role in growing local talent and being able to place this talent locally supports the economic growth of our region.
“Our students benefit from teaching staff with excellent industry experience, strong links to local industries as well as excellent on-campus learning facilities with a new higher education building opening this month. Twelve students both past and present working at the airport is something we are immensely proud of and their success is proof that hard work pays off.”
For more information on roles available at Teesside International Airport, visit TeesValley.jobs.
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