Heathrow shared apprenticeship scheme set to grow

Image courtesy Heathrow

A total of 157 apprentices have enrolled in the scheme since 2018, with 49 already completing their apprenticeship. In the next five years Heathrow will bring this number to 500.  

The pledge brings together companies across the airport’s construction and infrastructure supply chain, giving apprentices an unrivalled range of experience and unlocking lifelong career opportunities. 

It is aimed specifically at Heathrow’s local community and the airport’s nine surrounding boroughs, ensuring students or those looking for a career change later in life can make the most of studying and living  next to the UK’s largest single site of employment. 

The apprentices are hosted by a range of employers at the airport and funded by Heathrow. The scheme is integral to building a pipeline of skills for the future and creating opportunities in a sector that provides rewarding career growth. 

Apprentices have access to a diverse range of qualifications and hands on experience. A wide range of roles will be available across Heathrow for apprentices including quantity surveying, quality assurance, building and energy management, electrical installations, carpentry, site supervision and data analytics. 

The pledge for at least 500 apprentices to pass through the scheme in the next five years is only the start. Expanding Heathrow would bring many more opportunities, and further details will be included in the proposals submitted to Government and shared with communities later this summer. 

Yanil Patel, from Hillingdon, is an apprentice currently going through the scheme, working as a civil engineer after deciding to pursue a new career in his thirties. Yanil is involved in construction works at Heathrow, and supports the supervision of ongoing projects, assists with site work inspections, surveying and measurements and helps ensure construction activities follow design plans and safety regulations. 

Yanil, said: “It’s been a great opportunity to gain on-site experience with great people and staff who can help. I would say take the step if it’s something that interests you. You will gain plenty of exposure and enjoy the process of learning while earning. This scheme is a place where you can develop personally and professionally.” 

Heathrow’s Director of Communities and Sustainability, Becky Coffin, said: “We want Heathrow to be a great place to live and work, one which attracts the most talented people from the local area and helps them to fulfil their potential. 

“Gaining the skills for a lifelong career has a huge impact on people’s lives and we are proud to work with our partners to make sure we connect more of our neighbours to these opportunities.” 

For more information about the Heathrow Employment and Skills Academy and to apply visit our website: www.heathrowacademy.co.uk