Yahoo News Newcastle College graduates land jobs at Newcastle International Airport after volunteering
A total of 24 Newcastle College graduates have landed 'exciting and rewarding' jobs at Newcastle International Airport after taking part in a volunteer scheme.
The students secured employment after taking part in Newcastle College’s Ambassador Programme.
Students were invited to spend time at the Airport to learn about its different departments, including security, passenger services and operations.
The programme is for Aviation Operations students at the College’s Aviation Academy, a specialist teaching facility based just off the Airport’s runway, and of the 45 students who graduated from the Ambassador Programme in 2024, 24 have secured jobs at the Airport.
Read more: Newcastle Airport to power vehicles with vegetable oil to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 90%
Among those were Sophie Shaw and Saoirse Walton, who joined the Airport as Seasonal Security Support Officers in April. In the role they are responsible for ensuring passengers have seamless, hassle-free journeys through the newly refurbished security search area.
The area was recently renovated and next generation security scanners were installed as part of the Airport’s £20m investment to improve the overall passenger experience.
Saoirse said: "I really enjoy working at the Airport. It’s an exciting place to work, especially when it is busy, and everyone is so friendly.
"I always wanted to work in the aviation industry and the Ambassador Programme helped me develop and learn new skills to get my foot in the door."
Sophie added: “Whilst on the programme, I worked with the Passenger Assistance Team. It was a great and rewarding experience helping passengers and made me more confident. I’ve been able to use these skills in my job in security and I’m really enjoying it."
Dean Ward, director of commercial at Newcastle Airport, added: "The Ambassador Programme provides fantastic opportunities for talented and ambitious students to gain valuable hands-on experience across a range of departments at Newcastle Airport.
"It is brilliant to see the students develop their knowledge, skills and confidence while working alongside our teams, with many going on to enjoy long and successful careers at our Airport and elsewhere in the aviation industry."
The Aviation Academy serves as a specialised educational facility for aspiring aviation professionals. With training facilities for aeronautical engineering, aviation operations and cabin crew, students hone their chosen craft in an aircraft hangar, working on a real aircraft to develop core skills which support their entry into the aviation industry.
For more information about the Aviation Academy and its courses, visit the website here.
