A group of 11 apprentices has become the first to graduate from a new aviation training programme in Stockport, providing a direct route for young people to build careers in the flight industry. The two-year course, launched in 2023, was created through a partnership between Trafford & Stockport College Group and Manchester Airport.
The apprenticeship offers students hands-on experience by rotating them through four key areas of airport operations: terminal management, airfield safety, ground handling, and runway coordination. This structure allows participants to gain a broad understanding of how a major airport functions without the high entry costs often found in aviation training.
Several graduates have already transitioned into permanent, paid roles at the airport following the completion of their training. Among them are Oscar Pearson Leach, who has taken a position as a Safety and Compliance Officer, and Adam Doyle, who is now working as an Airfield Operations Support Officer.
This programme is part of a larger, long-term effort to boost local employment. Since 2012, nearly 2,000 learners have moved into paid work through the collaboration between the college group and the airport. The airport operator has invested £3 million into its apprenticeship initiatives since 2017, supporting over 440 apprentices across various technical and operational fields.
The Trafford & Stockport College Group, which serves over 13,000 students, continues to work with more than 1,000 employers in the region to support career development. The initiative was launched as part of a wider strategy to nurture future leaders within the aviation sector.
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