General Atomics

Birmingham Airport hosts SWAP to support local jobseekers

Birmingham Airport is hosting a sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) to support local residents into work.



Image courtesy BHX

The Launch Group, run in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, provides employability training for up to 20 jobseekers in Birmingham and Solihull a month.
 
As part of the two-week programme, participants will complete a Level 1 Certificate in Exploring the Aviation Industry, providing an opportunity for the cohort to experience the day-to-day operations and roles within the airport. Upon completion of the programme, attendees are guaranteed an initial interview at the airport’s Security Officer assessment centre.
 
Commenting on The Launch Group programme, Antoinette Farrell-Jones, People Director at Birmingham Airport said: “The Launch Group initiative not only offers a valuable opportunity for local job seekers but also demonstrates Birmingham Airport’s dedication to enriching our local community. Across the course of the programme, candidates will learn key skills that will aid their professional prospects including customer service and collaborative working.
 
“In addition, attendees who complete the course are guaranteed an assessment interview for a Security Officer role at Birmingham Airport, providing valuable experience and the potential to make that all-important first step into a career in the aviation industry. We look forward to welcoming these candidates and supporting them on their journey to a fulfilling career.”
 
The programme is run in line with Birmingham Airport’s Corporate and Social Responsibility Policy which sees the organisation investing in the wellbeing of nearby communities. To date, the airport has recruited 23 applicants into security roles following the successful completion of the Launch Group scheme. By coaching unemployed candidates professionally, the organisation hopes the scheme will help reduce economic inequality and emphasise the airport as a key employer of the region.

Helen Earnshaw, Employment Advisor at JobCentre Plus Chelmsley Wood said: “Working collaboratively with Birmingham Airport and The Launch Group has proven a great success in securing local people into local jobs. We look forward to building on this partnership so we can continue to make a difference, encouraging financial independence, improving the lives of residents whilst having a positive impact on the local economy”
 
For more information on the Launch Group scheme, contact Jobcentre Plus Chelmsley Wood.

Related

Record-breaking August rounds off Stansted’s busiest ever summer
Stansted Terminal Security entrance.
Record-breaking August rounds off Stansted’s busiest ever summer
Whilst welcoming over 100,000 passengers on every day of August, London Stansted Airport achieved its busiest ever day, month and summer on record.
Aerospace

16 Sep 2026

UK MOD accelerates low-cost drone turbojet development with Alloyed
Image: MOD Crown Copyright
UK MOD accelerates low-cost drone turbojet development with Alloyed
A new UK-developed turbojet engine has reached flight-ready status in less than seven months, highlighting the potential of advanced manufacturing to accelerate defence propulsion.
Aerospace Defence Test

16 Sep 2026

Airlines should cover full climate cost if Heathrow expands, CCC says
London Heathrow
Airlines should cover full climate cost if Heathrow expands, CCC says
The Climate Change Committee says Heathrow expansion is not compatible with UK Net Zero targets. It calls for aviation to pay the cost of removing CO2.
Aerospace

16 Sep 2026

MSI-DS launches TERRAHAWK RAPTOR mobile counter-drone weapon station
MSI-DS unveiled the TERRAHAWK RAPTOR during the opening day of DVD2026 on 16 September 2026. This RWS is optimised for C-UAS operations. Image: MSI-DS
MSI-DS launches TERRAHAWK RAPTOR mobile counter-drone weapon station
The new TERRAHAWK RAPTOR remote weapon station is designed for integration across tracked and wheeled platforms, including 4x4 vehicles and UGVs, as MSI-DS targets growing demand for mobile C-UAS capability.
Defence Security

16 Sep 2026

NP Aerospace secures new protected cab order
Protected cab
NP Aerospace secures new protected cab order
With its latest order for protected vehicle cabs, NP Aerospace has taken its total protected cab order book to over 60 units.
Defence Member News

16 Sep 2026

Scottish defence sector faces skills shortfall and ‘debanking’ concerns, MPs warn
The UK's first Type 26 frigate, HMS Glasgow (F88), is seen under construction at BAE Systems' shipyard in Govan, Scotland, on 29 June 2021. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Jack Eckersley
Scottish defence sector faces skills shortfall and ‘debanking’ concerns, MPs warn
A new report from the Scottish Affairs Committee has highlighted skills shortages, supply chain barriers and the ongoing ‘debanking’ of defence SMEs as challenges to Scotland’s ability to capitalise on increased UK defence investment.
Defence

16 Sep 2026

Harwell-based Open Cosmos secures €300m to scale sovereign satellite production
Open Cosmos
Harwell-based Open Cosmos secures €300m to scale sovereign satellite production
Harwell-based Open Cosmos has raised €300m to expand satellite manufacturing and space-based intelligence as the UK strengthens sovereign capability.
Defence Space

16 Sep 2026

AccelerComm awarded ESA regenerative 5G satellite network contract
5G NTN
AccelerComm awarded ESA regenerative 5G satellite network contract
The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected AccelerComm to help build one of Europe's first regenerative 5G base stations that directly run onboard satellites, shifting away from today's 'bent-pipe' satellites that simply relay signals back to the ground.
Member News Space

15 Sep 2026

The Drone Age: What does the UK need to get right?
ADS Advance magazine - the drone age- is out today
The Drone Age: What does the UK need to get right?
Leading experts examine where UK drone capability is advancing, where gaps remain and what industry and government need to fix next.
MSI-DS launches TERRAHAWK RAPTOR mobile counter-drone weapon station
MSI-DS unveiled the TERRAHAWK RAPTOR during the opening day of DVD2026 on 16 September 2026. This RWS is optimised for C-UAS operations. Image: MSI-DS
MSI-DS launches TERRAHAWK RAPTOR mobile counter-drone weapon station
The new TERRAHAWK RAPTOR remote weapon station is designed for integration across tracked and wheeled platforms, including 4x4 vehicles and UGVs, as MSI-DS targets growing demand for mobile C-UAS capability.
Defence Security

16 Sep 2026

UK recruits hundreds of officers in £500 billion money laundering crackdown
Home Office
UK recruits hundreds of officers in £500 billion money laundering crackdown
Following National Crime Agency (NCA) estimates that over £100 billion is laundered through UK or UK corporate structures each year, 500 officers will target money laundering networks linked to organised crime, building on Operation Destabilise.
Security

16 Sep 2026

Defence and industry open collaboration hub at RAF Wyton
FAIRFAX Collaboration Hub at RAF Wyton
Defence and industry open collaboration hub at RAF Wyton
The new FAIRFAX Collaboration Hub has been opened at RAF Wyton by defence and industry partners, marking a key step in its growth as the UK's intelligence hub.