Thirty Newcastle College students have secured permanent positions at Newcastle Airport after graduating from the airport’s Ambassador Programme, delivered in partnership with the college’s Aviation Academy.
Graduates have joined the airport in a variety of front-line positions, including security and passenger services, after completing the program, which combines classroom learning with practical experience in multiple airport departments.
More than 40% of students who completed the program gained employment with Newcastle Airport or its business partners, including Swissport and Jet2.
Recent additions include Erin Hope Thirlaway, who has joined the airport security team, and Aidan Calder, who now works in passenger services.
Thirlaway said: “The Ambassador Program was fantastic. Working with the different teams and seeing first-hand what it’s like to work at the airport really helped me develop my skills and stand out when applying for the job.”
Calder said: “The program was brilliant for developing my skills, especially in customer service. I love talking to passengers and meeting new people and I really enjoy working in the team.”
Alice Andreasen, Director of Corporate Affairs at Newcastle Airport and member of the Newcastle College Skills Board, said: “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Newcastle College and are delighted to welcome so many students to our teams.
“The Ambassador Program is a fantastic example of how educational institutions and major employers can work together to create real opportunities for young people.
“It’s inspiring to see how students increase their confidence and develop their skills as they work alongside our teams. The program creates a clear pathway into the industry and we look forward to supporting them as they progress in their careers.”
Karen Trenerry, assistant director of the aviation curriculum at Newcastle College, said the program continues to help address the aviation workforce shortage in the region.
She said: “We are incredibly proud of the continued success of our Ambassador Program this year.
“With over 40% of our current cohort moving directly into employment at Newcastle Airport and key stakeholders such as Swissport and Jet2, the impact speaks for itself.
“This unique initiative, developed here at Newcastle College, is actively helping to close the aviation skills gap across the North East.
“It’s a program that not only supports our students in meaningful careers, but also strengthens the future of the region’s aviation industry, and that’s something we’re really proud of.”
The Ambassador Program is available to students at Newcastle College Aviation Academy, which is located next to Newcastle Airport. The academy offers courses in aeronautical engineering, aviation operations and cabin crew training, and students benefit from practical instruction in a 1,500 square meter hangar that houses operational aircraft.
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