Tuesday, November 7, 2017
A record number of Heathrow apprentices celebrated their graduation with local business leaders, MPs and airport colleagues at the 13th annual Heathrow Academy Graduation and Awards Ceremony on Thursday.
The spotlight was shared by 143 graduates that took to the stage to receive honours for courses ranging from business administration to retail. The event was held at the Sofitel Terminal 5 to celebrate the efforts of individuals and employers that have committed to working with Heathrow to recruit, retain and develop dedicated and enthusiastic teams.
Since 2004, Heathrow has contributed over £7.8 million to the Heathrow Academy, saving the government’s benefits bill over £9.5 million by bringing together Heathrow, our businesses partners, local employers and a range of service providers to help individuals to get into work. So far, the Heathrow Academy has helped over 3,600 local residents find work, 5,800 advance into further training and over 1,500 into apprenticeships.
Heathrow’s Chief Executive Officer, John Holland-Kaye, said:
“Heathrow is one of Britain’s most important assets, and its success is absolutely bound to the quality of talent working at the airport. I am proud to be awarding a record number of graduates this year, testament to a growing and passionate airport community that are keen to build quality careers with us.
“We remain on track to create a bigger, better Heathrow and deliver a once-in-a-generation boost for our local community in a way that ensures local people get the greatest benefits. With up to 180,000 jobs and 10,000 apprenticeships to be created with expansion, we have a huge opportunity to end youth unemployment in our local boroughs and commit to continuing to work with our local partners to help realise this ambition.”
Heathrow is the economic driving engine of West London and the Thames Valley, supporting one in five jobs in the local area. The Academy offers apprenticeships in business administration, customer service, hospitality, logistics, management, retail and team leadership from entry to advanced level.
Among those celebrating was Heathrow Security Officer Sandeep Padam, graduating from a work based qualification (NVQ) in Team Leading. Sandeep said:
“The apprenticeship offered me a structured programme with set targets and through the guidance of my assessor and mentor I gained a work based qualification (NVQ) in Team Leading. Since then I have taken the opportunity to develop my career by successfully moving into a managerial position.”
Ealing Southall MP, Virendra Sharma, said:
“It was a real honour to join my constituents in celebrating their success and to hear more about their journeys. The Heathrow Academy performs a vital role for our local area, providing new opportunities, fresh starts and upskilling local residents from all backgrounds and abilities to achieve their full potential.”
Ealing Central and Acton MP, Dr Rupa Huq, said:
“I was so proud to see my constituent, Vivian, graduate from the Heathrow Academy, she gave me a real insight into the remarkable work of the Academy and the bright future she and many more local residents have as a result.”
Feltham and Heston MP, Seema Malhotra, said:
“I was proud to support the awards and to see so many local people graduating from the Heathrow Academy. This is a huge tribute to the work of Heathrow to develop the talent of its employees and the support network between them. Men and women, young and old each with their own testimonials about how their training has made a difference to them and to their understanding of the business. The Academy does an extraordinary job in providing local people with the training and support needed to not just have a job at the airport, but to excel in it.”
Source:- Heathrow
Tags: airlines news, Heathrow
