Celebrating 15 years since opening its doors to the community, the Heathrow Employment and Skills Academy reveals it has supported over 5,800 people into employment since it was formed in 2004, contributing over £13.5 million to training and career development.
To mark the occasion, Heathrow hosted its Academy Awards ceremony at Stockley Park Golf Club last week, celebrating the 87 new graduates for 2019 – 68% of which are from one of the five local boroughs closest to the airport. 87 apprentices graduated from the Heathrow Employment and Skills Academy this year, with 68% of graduates living in the five local boroughs closest to the airport: Hounslow, Hillingdon, Ealing, Spelthorne and Slough.
Graduates were joined by guest speaker, Reggie Nelson, who shared his inspiring story of door-knocking in wealthy parts of London for careers advice. Attendees also heard from Chris Garton, Chief Operating Officer, and Paul Stannett, Chief People Officer, who expressed their delight at the wealth of talent dedicated to delivering a world class passenger experience.
The evening was also a chance to reflect on a successful year in which the Heathrow Academy signed the Care Leaver Covenant and kicked off its People Leadership Forum and Skills Partnership; making careers at the airport more accessible and sustainable than ever.
Apprentices join the Academy at a variety of different stages in their lives, but are all committed to making positive changes.
Paula Stannett, Heathrow Chief People Officer, said: “For 15 years the Heathrow Employment and Skills Academy has been providing local people with bespoke opportunities to make positive and lasting changes to their lives. Through training, advice and emotional support, the Academy has equipped people with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace and fulfil their potential.”
“As one of the biggest employers in the community, providing thousands of local people with careers not just jobs, Heathrow is committed to continued long-term investment in the Academy, to ensure that our future airport is built, operated and managed by local talent.”
