First cohort of apprentices graduates from airport management course
A group of 11 apprentices have become the first to graduate from an in-depth, two-year course run in partnership by Manchester Airport and Trafford and Stockport College Group (TSCG).
The Level 3 Aviation Ground Specialist course, which was welcomed by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham when it was launched in 2023, is unique in giving students experience of all the elements of an airport operation. It was broken down into four separate work placements in different roles across the airport with supervision and mentoring from experienced aviation professionals. This included everything from terminal operations to airfield safety, ground handling and runway management.
Each placement was supplemented by in-person learning at TSCG’s Altrincham Campus, where apprentices studied the operational models of airports across the globe, the development of airport operations best practice and how the aviation industry is evolving and adapting to new technology. Apprentices also had the opportunity to review and discuss their placements and practice interview technique.
Places on the course were promoted to local school sixth forms and colleges, as part of the airport’s commitment to providing opportunities to those living nearby. Its launch formed part of Manchester Airports Group’s (MAG) Developing Talent strategy, to nurture future managers and leaders for the business and the aviation sector more widely. TSCG and Manchester Airport also offer a range of other courses in collaboration, including a Team Leader & Supervisor Apprenticeship for existing airport staff who want to take the next step in their careers.
The launch of the Aviation Ground Specialist programme and Team Leader programme reflect the strength and ambition of the partnership between Trafford & Stockport College Group and Manchester Airport Group.
Delivered through the Manchester Airport Skills Hub, the programmes were developed in close collaboration with MAG to create an industry led talent pipeline that supports the future of aviation in the region.
Learners have benefited from hands on experience during live operations at the airport, developing skills in areas including airside operations, aircraft handling, leadership and how to work safely in an exceptionally fast‑paced environment.
Since 2012, nearly 2,000 learners have progressed into paid employment through joint TSCG and MAG programmes, with over half of those securing roles within weeks of completing their training.
The latest cohort of graduates received their certificates at a ceremony at the Altrincham Campus, where they heard from senior leaders at MAG and TSCG about the opportunities the qualification would present them. A number of graduates also took to the stage to share their own experiences.
Among them was 20-year-old Oscar Pearson Leach from Stockport. Oscar always knew he wanted to work in aviation and had ambitions to become a pilot when he was younger, but was put off by the high cost of gaining a commercial pilot’s license. He had done work experience at the airport and then worked part-time in retail prior to beginning the course. Not only has he now graduated from his apprenticeship, he has also secured a contract with MAG as a Safety and Compliance officer.
Oscar said: “I first saw the course on the airport careers website. I was just looking for something short-term for the summer but saw this and it looked like an ideal way into the aviation industry and an opportunity too good to miss. The course has definitely opened my eyes to other opportunities for careers in the industry that I didn’t even know existed – whether that’s in management, operations, or office based – there are so many career paths that you wouldn’t really see as a passenger using the airport.
“It was great to get so much practical experience on the placements. You’re doing the same things that full time staff are doing – from airfield control to safety audits and compliance-based tasks. We weren’t just extras, we were counted into numbers on the team roster, so you really felt you were bring trusted with those responsibilities.
“The biggest challenge was adapting to a shift pattern, which is not something I’d done before, but it was also a win because it was an insight into the way things really work at an airport. Airports are 24/7 operations, they don’t sleep and a lot of the action goes on at night when planes are on the ground and most people are tucked up in bed!”
21-year-old Luke Helsdon, from Blackburn in Lancashire, graduated alongside Oscar. He had previously studies sports at college and worked as a car mechanic but was attracted to the idea of working at the airport after learning of the course because it would give him the opportunity to explore a career that was different to the paths most of his friends had chosen.
He reflected: “The apprenticeship was really rewarding to be a part of and has helped me secure a fixed term contract in airfield operations. Day to day, I’m out on the airfield, which I really enjoy – driving around, overseeing works there, guiding aircraft on where they need to go and ensuring we stay compliant with safety rules.
“I’m not well versed in computers or course work and I was more used to working with my hands, however with the help of my tutor and managers at MAG I was able to thrive and get through the study elements of the course as well as the practical parts of it.”
Adam Doyle, 24, from Cheadle Hulme, also graduated from the programme and is now Airfield Operations Support Officer. He said: “The airport is a great place to work, it’s always a challenge and it’s so fulfilling to work here. My dream is to go onto become an Aviation Manager and so the apprenticeship and my role now in Airfield Operations is really preparing me for that.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without the apprenticeship. It was great to have hands on experience. My message to students who may want to take up an Apprenticeship is that there’s so much opportunity available to fit your needs.”
Collecting her Team Leader & Supervisor Apprenticeship certificate was 29-year-old Laura Quate from High Peak, who has been at the airport since 2019 and held several positions including Acting Security Team Manager and a supervisory role in Airfield Operations. She is now a Health & Safety Business Partner.
Laura said: “I enjoyed the diversity and range of opportunities you get given in an apprenticeship. The Team Leader and Supervisor Apprenticeship allowed me to build on my skills and grow and I probably wouldn’t have progressed as quickly without it. I’ve only got here through pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
“I don’t think people realise the scope of what we do at the airport, it’s not just cabin crew and pilots. There are so many opportunities here and I would seriously encourage anyone wanting a change in career to consider what is on offer here at the airport.”
Tina Edwards, People Director at Manchester Airport, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the first cohort of apprentices to graduate from this programme and it was great to be able to extend my congratulations to them personally. It was great to hear that so many of them have already secured paid roles at the airport with ourselves or one of our service partners, on the back of completing this qualification and impressing managers on their work placements.
“At Manchester Airport we’re proud to serve the people of Greater Manchester and the North, and that doesn’t just mean by flying people to the places they want to travel to – it also means giving local people the chance to access unique employment opportunities and embark on a rewarding career.”
Tracey Wood, Chief Commercial Officer at Trafford & Stockport College Group, said: “We are incredibly proud of our graduates and everything they have achieved.
“Working in close partnership with Manchester Airport Group, and through a programme co‑designed with MAG and our tutor team, we have created an accessible pathway that gives learners real industry experience and prepares them for successful careers in the aviation sector.
“All tutors completed their Continuing Professional Development onsite with MAG to ensure the curriculum remained current and directly aligned with the industry need.
The dedication and resilience shown by these students is a testament not only to their hard work, but to the strength of our ongoing partnership with MAG and our shared commitment to developing the future aviation workforce.”
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