Gatwick steps up apprentice intake

Six apprenticeship vacancies across four different engineering and IT roles have been made available at Gatwick as part of an expanded work and learning scheme.

Apprenticeships, which have been run at the airport since 1977, range from two to four-year programmes.

They include studying at either East Surrey College in Redhill, Nescot College in Epsom or Langley College in Slough, alongside hands-on experience at the airport.

Gatwick currently has 17 engineering apprentices across four cohorts, with an equal split of men and women for the first time two years ago.

Applications for the current intake are open until March 12.

Apprentice development lead Dave White said: “We are delighted to be able to expand our apprenticeship programme offer this year, providing opportunities across IT as well as engineering, for the first time.

“The airport is an exciting and unique place for any young engineer to learn and develop their skills, and the programme has proved hugely successful over the years. 

“We are confident our new apprenticeships across IT service and cyber security will provide the same excellent environment for learning and development.

“A number of former apprentices – myself included – continue to enjoy wonderful careers at Gatwick. As part of our apprenticeship programme, recruits will gain a full insight into exactly what it takes to run the world’s busiest single runway airport.”

Engineering apprentice Abigail Davies added: “Every day when I come to work, I know it will be different from the last. Each day provides a new learning opportunity where I can get hands on and develop my practical skills as well as my knowledge about engineering.

“This apprenticeship has allowed me to continue constantly learning and improve other valuable life skills, including teamwork, leadership and communication. 

“Working at Gatwick has also allowed me to get involved with STEM events with schools, varying from primary schools to colleges, and I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to show young people what engineering is all about and encourage them in to engineering role. 

“It’s been wonderful to see young people come into the engineering industry, especially young women, and it’s been amazing to help encourage them into the industry and show them they can do it.”