LJLA launches its ‘A-Team’ community initiative

Liverpool John Lennon Airport has launched an ‘A-Team’ volunteer initiative which is part of the Airport’s Community Plan, aimed at giving those in the local community an opportunity to sample life within an exciting Airport environment whilst enhancing the Airport experience for passengers.

The scheme is aimed at a cross section of individuals; from those who simply find enjoyment in supporting their local airport, to those who have perhaps found it difficult in the past to find employment due to a lack of experience, training or perhaps a disability. It is in many ways an extension of the work undertaken by the voluntary group, The Friends of Liverpool Airport who continue to give invaluable support to the Airport and who will be working alongside the new volunteers.

Similar to the Airport’s successful work experience programmes for local school pupils, volunteers will be undertaking activities that provide additional but non-essential support such as directing passengers through the terminal, handing out leaflets to remind them of security restrictions in place, undertaking passenger surveys etc.

As well as gaining an insight into life at the Airport, volunteers will also receive training in areas such as customer service, that some may then choose to use in their pursuit of future opportunities perhaps at the airport or elsewhere. Volunteers will also have the flexibility to spend time at the airport for as little or as long as they choose to suit their particular circumstances.

The initiative was launched at the end of last week as part of the Airport’s activities during National Customer Service Week. Each day last week teams across the Airport focused on a different Customer Service related theme to demonstrate the company’s commitment to continually improving the customer experience.

Carol Dutton LJLA’s HR & Community Director commented, “This latest initiative forms a major part of our Community Plan to enable local communities to be more involved with the Airport.

This is a great opportunity for people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to experience life at the Airport, to be able to do so in a flexible way that fits around their particular circumstances. In addition, the training and personal development they receive will be invaluable should they look to utilise their skills elsewhere in future.”

14 volunteers have been accepted onto the scheme, with Birkenhead based training provider 3D working with the Airport to select and train the first ‘A-Team’ members who will commence their time at the Airport shortly.

You can view all the pictures taken at the launch of our A team launch on LJLA's Facebook page.

Photo caption: LJLA’s oldest volunteer, 81 year old Cliff Johnson from the Friends of Liverpool Airport welcomes its newest and youngest volunteer, 17 year old ‘A-Team’ member Josh Kavanagh.