Apprenticeships take-off at LJLA

Two young Engineering Apprentices from Knowsley are the first to participate in a new Apprenticeship programme being run by Liverpool John Lennon Airport, having been selected from a number of applicants keen to seek a career at the Airport.

Laurence Corris aged 19 and Jordan Metcalf aged 16, applied to become Engineering Apprentices at the Airport through the National Apprenticeship Service which works with employers looking to recruit apprentices. Engineering at the Airport covers a diverse range of key duties essential to the smooth running of all aspects of the Airport business including the terminal building, runway and taxiways, lighting systems, heating and ventilation, car parks and baggage bay systems.

Lasting three years, in addition to their on the job training, the apprentices will also be studying for an NVQ Level 2 Engineering Maintenance qualification at The City of Liverpool College who have worked closely with the Airport to develop their course linked to the Airport environment.

Funding for the Apprenticeship has been provided by Knowsley Borough Council who have been instrumental in helping the Airport progress this latest initiative as part of their commitment to raise skills and increase employment opportunities for residents across the borough.

Carol Dutton, LJLA’s HR Director commented, ”We are delighted to be able to implement this scheme and really appreciate the support of all the partners involved in this project.

“The Airport as a business is one of the region’s largest creators of employment with over 2,000 people working here for companies both large and small. This important scheme is the start of an ongoing program to give young people such as Laurence and Jordan, the skills to develop a career here at the Airport, bringing fresh ideas and new young talent into the business.”

Councillor Ron Round, Leader of Knowsley Borough Council added, ”I’m really pleased that the Airport is involved in our Apprentice programme. It is a major employer in the region and will provide high quality work placements for Laurence and Jordan. With such a great first step onto the career ladder, the sky really is the limit for these young men.

“I look forward to us working with the Airport to provide future apprenticeships for more young people. ”
Sue Price, Deputy Director for Skills Funding Agency in the North said, “For a strong and growing economy we must have a high level of skills to meet employer demand. Apprenticeships are a vital way of achieving this. The National Apprenticeship Service is not only committed to increasing the number and range of Apprenticeships on offer, but also to ensuring high quality of Apprenticeships, which is so key to growth. We want Apprenticeships to become the first choice for more ambitious young people and expanding businesses, just as they have for Liverpool John Lennon Airport.”

This is part of a workforce-wide training and development investment programme funded by Liverpool John Lennon Airport and the Skills for Growth Bank.

In addition to the two young apprentices, the Airport is also embarking on a wider Apprenticeship programme aimed at improving the skill levels of existing employees with almost 30 members of staff about to embark on Team Leading Adult Apprenticeships, working with local training provider Sysco.