Image courtesy BHX 

Three out of six of the cohort have now been offered paid positions at the airport following completion of the programme. 
 
In June, the airport hosted six young care leavers aged 18 to 25 for a two-week work experience placement, providing them with a valuable insight into careers in the aviation industry. Led by the West Midlands Employer Alliance, a network dedicated to improving employment prospects in the region, the programme saw over 20 care experienced young adults undertaking work experience placements at seven local organisations including Kier Construction, Severn Trent and The NEC Group. 

 
The specialised scheme, which saw participants contribute more than 1,000 hours of work, was launched to directly address the innate barriers to employment faced by many young, care experienced adults. Recent research suggests that care leavers are four times more likely to not be in employment, education or training (NEET). It has also been proposed that 86% of young people who do not participate in meaningful work experience are likely to be NEET. 
 
Following completion of the BHX programme, three of the six participants have now secured paid positions at the airport in a variety of departments including IT, Customer Experience and HR. All members of the programme will continue to receive dedicated professional mentoring from Birmingham Airport. 
 
Now a Customer Experience Ambassador at Birmingham Airport, Nathaniel Lees praised the two-week programme: 
“The two-week programme was really good – productive, enjoyable and full of learning. I’ve taken away dedication, discipline, and the drive to improve myself by focusing on things that help me grow as a person.”  
 
Reflecting on his new position as an IT Apprentice at the airport, Christian, aid: "I really enjoyed my first week of the job. I’ve constantly been learning new things and being able to apply it in a real setting motivates me to follow through and put my best foot forward for myself and others" 
 
Antoinette Farrell-Jones, Director of People at Birmingham Airport said: “We are absolutely thrilled to share the outstanding success of our first ever employment scheme in partnership with the West Midlands Employers Alliance. "Following completion of the programme in June, 50% of our cohort have gone on to secure paid employment positions at the airport including a further paid work experience placement in HR, t and an IT apprenticeship.  

“This is truly a testament to their extraordinary personal development over the past few months, and I am delighted that Birmingham Airport is continuing to play a key role in their respective professional careers. I look forward to seeing our new colleagues flourish in their exciting roles and further supporting all participants through a structured mentoring scheme. Thank you again to all our partners at the West Midlands Employer Alliance for their assistance with this incredible initiative.”