15
July
2026
|
11:07
Europe/Amsterdam

Airport celebrates Skills Hub milestone as it marks World Youth Skills Day

More than 100 young people have now progressed through Manchester Airport Skills Hub’s Future Talent Pathways programme, the hub has revealed, as it marks World Youth Skills Day on Wednesday.

The Manchester Airport Skills Hub, which launched in June 2025, is a partnership between the airport and Trafford & Stockport College Group (TSCG). It aims to create an industry-led talent pipeline that supports the future of aviation in the North – teaching transferrable skills but also providing young people and adults with the sector-specific knowledge and insights that they will need for a successful career in aviation.

The Skills Hub builds on an existing partnership between the airport and TSCG that has seen more than 2,500 jobseekers progress into employment through the on-site Academy since 2012 – and aims to reach up to 4,000 people in the next five years.

The Future Talent Pathways programme engages with employers across the airport site, with the objective of opening up more entry-level opportunities for young people. The programme has reached 104 young people in its first year – exceeding an ambitious target of 100. More than 90% of Year 2 Aviation Operations learners have now progressed into roles at Manchester Airport.

Other highlights from the Skills Hub’s first year include;

  • 329 adult jobseekers supported through pre-employment programmes against a target of 300, with 27 participating employers, significantly expanding recruitment reach for young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).
  • A 100% pass rate and 90% Merit/Distinction achievement for apprentices across the airport site.
  • 29 existing airport employees engaged in pilot workforce development and upskilling programmes including 14 colleagues at the airport’s special assistance provider ABM completing Level 2 leadership qualifications and receiving national Rising Star recognition.
  • The project and MAG won the Business Engagement Award at the prestigious Educate North Awards, recognising its innovative employer-led approach to developing aviation skills, creating employment opportunities and supporting workforce resilience.
  • Further recognition followed at the Trafford & Stockport College Group Partnerships in Excellence, Apprenticeship and Skills Awards, where Manchester Airports Group was named Overall Partner of the Year.

Marcella M’Rabety, Head of Social Sustainability at Manchester Airport, said: “At Manchester Airport we’re proud to serve the people of Greater Manchester and the North, and we do that not only by connecting people to their destination of choice, but also by giving local people the opportunity to access rewarding and fulfilling careers.

“The Skills Hub is a key part of our strategy to open up even more opportunities, particularly for young people including NEETs looking to take their first step on the career ladder. I’m delighted that, as we mark World Youth Skills Day, we’re able to reflect on a really successful first year for the Skills Hub, with career opportunities created for more than 100 young people. Not only have we helped people into careers at the airport, we’ve also helped some of our existing employees to upskill and given adults who have been out of education or employment the chance to build the skillset necessary to find a job.

“We’re not content to stop there, however. We have ambitions to reach over 4,000 people in the next five years and that will include the launch of a virtual Airport College for 16- to 19-year-olds, along with expanding our range of pre-employment courses.”

James Scott, CEO, Trafford and Stockport College Group, said:

“Our partnership with Manchester Airport is helping young people develop the skills, experience and confidence needed to go on and build successful careers in aviation.

“Through the Skills Hub, students gain a deeper understanding of the industry, while employers benefit from access to a pipeline of talented future employees.

“It's fantastic to see so many young people already progressing into roles at the airport, demonstrating the positive impact that can be achieved when education and industry work together.”