The Apprentices: Shining a light on London Luton Airport's bright young stars
To celebrate a hugely successful National Apprenticeship Week, London Luton Airport (LLA) is proudly shining a light on six amazing apprentices who are kickstarting exciting careers in fields as diverse as Sustainability, Health & Safety, Commercial, Digital Marketing, and Guest Experience.
As one of the UK’s busiest airports, LLA is committed to creating new employment opportunities, stimulating the local economy, and contributing to the success and well-being of local people. Its new look apprenticeship programme is open to local people aged 18 years and over, living in LU1 – LU4 postcodes, and provides opportunities to access supported employment across a broad range of career paths.
Working closely with Bedford College, online provider LDN Apprenticeships, and West Hertfordshire College Group, LLA last year welcomed the first cohort of its revamped apprenticeship programme, Robert, Soraya, Tarang, Hassnain, Kayeden, and Allen.
Robert Forster, a Sustainability Apprentice at LLA, was 18 months into a two-year contract at Vauxhall as a Junior Energy & Sustainability Apprenticeship when his career trajectory changed course following the closure of the plant. Robert saw the airport as a natural next step to continue to build on the skills and knowledge he’d developed in his previous role, providing the perfect opportunity to build his understanding as part of a team that is playing a key role in the airport’s responsible growth plans.
Highlighting the breadth of apprenticeships available at LLA, Soraya Edwards joined the airport’s Corporate Affairs team last year as a Digital Marketing Apprentice. “I’m consistently encouraged and supported by the wider team, and my experience working at the airport has already allowed me to acquire skills which will help to shape my career, from using content management systems to developing email and website copy. It's exciting to know that I will complete my apprenticeship as a qualified Multi-Channel Marketeer. It's been an amazing opportunity for me.”
Following two years of full-time work after completing Sixth Form, Hassnain Qayoum, Commercial Apprentice, was struggling to find the right opportunity to suit his goals. Keen to build a career through hands-on learning and real-life experiences, the idea of working in a fast-paced, diverse, and internationally connected environment stood out for Hassnain. As Hassnain explains, “I was really attracted to the potential for learning, growth, and career development that London Luton Airport offers. The apprenticeship was the breakthrough I had been waiting for, and it’s provided an unbelievable platform for me to start building a career in an industry I'm passionate about.”
Passionate about aviation, Health and Safety Apprentice Tarang Chauhan was drawn to LLA’s apprenticeship scheme, seeing it as an opportunity to develop skills and experience in an area he’s excited to be a part of every day. “Aviation is a dynamic and fast-paced industry, and, of course, for an airport, the health, safety, and well-being of our passengers, our staff, and our partners across the airport will always be the number one priority. My apprenticeship is giving me an opportunity to build my knowledge, and the experience will be integral to shaping my future career in this industry.”
Kayeden Chance, Surface Access Apprentice, a long-time local user of the airport, has always been fascinated by how the airport operates from an outsider’s perspective. Now working on the inside, Kayeden is thrilled to be playing a pivotal role in the airport’s Commercial team. A keen mathematician at school, the apprenticeship has enabled Kayeden to continue to build practical skills for a budding business-focused career.“Working in the Surface Access team has given me valuable insight into the commercial side of airport operations. From managing financial trackers to raising purchase orders and supporting key administrative processes, I’m developing practical skills that are building a strong foundation for my future career.”
Allen Ngorima joined LLA’s award-winning Guest Experience team following completion of his studies at Barnfield College and now plays a key role in helping the millions of passengers who travel through LLA each year. The Guest Experience team is responsible for ensuring all those who travel through LLA have a safe, simple, and friendly experience, from assisting with general questions to dealing with any medical emergencies and ensuring people get to the correct gate – no two days are ever the same!
LLA will open applications for the next cohort of apprentices in the spring. For future updates on the scheme and the application process, please visit: www.london-luton.co.uk/careers