London City Airport helps locals Take off into Work

With the aim to encourage even more local employees London City Airport, in partnership with Newham Workplace has launched the ‘Take off into Work’ programme. The scheme invites unemployed Newham residents to take part in an employability training programme. The scheme includes workshops on airport careers, CV and interview preparation and placement opportunities across a number of airport departments and other companies based at the airport such as Customer Services, Ramp Services, Cobalt Ground Services, WHSmith, HMS Host Airport Catering, Nuance Tax and Duty Free, and the London City Airport Jet Centre.

All candidates taking part in the scheme receive a job interview experience and four candidates have already been successful in achieving employment with airport companies HMS Host and Nuance Tax & Duty Free.  Unsuccessful candidates still benefit from the scheme and receive a reference from a reputable employer and the increased confidence and employability skills required to succeed at future interviews. 

Richard Gooding OBE, Chief Executive of London City Airport said “Our aim is to target as many local jobs at the airport towards local people. Working within aviation is very unique. Through this scheme we can give potential candidates an insight into the different roles, the requirements needed and focus their training needs in order for them to become ideal candidates for future vacancies”.

London City Airport Limited and the 58 other employers based on-site at the airport employ over 2000 staff, many of whom live in East London.  The airport aspires to employ 70% of its staff from within 5 miles of the airport site, with 35% of these from the London Borough of Newham.

Elizabeth Hegarty, London City Airport Community Relations Manager said “Take off into Work is not the first into work training programme the airport has delivered, however so far it has been the most successful, engaging other companies operating on-site as well as the airport operator.  This has been achieved through the London City Airport Employers’ Forum, which was launched in May 2008 and meets quarterly to discuss employment, sustainability and initiatives.”

The Take off Into Work Programme is delivered by the East London Business Alliance in partnership with London City Airport and Newham Workplace and will run five times this year.