Belfast City Airport Launches 6th Year of IGNITE Youth Leadership Programme

(IN SHORT) Belfast City Airport is inviting applications from young people aged 16 to 18 for the sixth year of its IGNITE Youth Leadership Programme. The year-long initiative aims to nurture future leaders by combining mentorship, hands-on experiences, and exposure to dynamic industry environments with the pursuit of an NLP Diploma in Personal and Career Development. Guests will have the chance to learn from established professionals in sports, radio, entrepreneurship, and politics. Key programme advocates, including Chief People and Marketing Officer Michelle Hatfield and Northern Irish radio host Pete Snodden, emphasized the life-changing potential of the experience and encouraged enthusiastic participation. The initiative underscores Belfast City Airport’s commitment to community engagement and education.

(PRESS RELEASE) BELFAST, 2025-Apr-8 — /Travel PR News/ — Belfast City Airport has opened entries for the sixth edition of its prestigious IGNITE Youth Leadership Programme, inviting young people aged 16 to 18 from all walks of life to apply. The programme is designed to empower the next generation by equipping participants with essential leadership skills and confidence, providing unique opportunities to connect with renowned figures in sports, radio, entrepreneurship, and politics.

Throughout the year-long programme, selected applicants will also work towards earning an NLP Diploma in Personal and Career Development, further enhancing their professional and personal growth.

Michelle Hatfield, Chief People and Marketing Officer at Belfast City Airport, shared her excitement at the launch:

“When we first launched IGNITE in 2019, our goal was to offer life-changing opportunities to over 100 young people across five years – and that’s exactly what we have achieved. Its popularity means IGNITE will now return for a sixth year, and we are thrilled to be able to build on its enormous success. At Belfast City Airport, community and education are at the heart of everything we do, and this initiative combines both to make a tangible difference. With a mixture of mentorship, hands-on experience, and exposure to real-world industry environments, participants gain valuable insights that set them on a path to success. We are incredibly proud of the impact IGNITE continues to have and look forward to another year of supporting and inspiring the next generation of talent.”

Among the inspiring lineup for the coming year is Northern Irish radio host Pete Snodden, who added,

“Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working with many talented young people and I know firsthand how vital opportunities such as IGNITE are in opening doors and shaping futures. This programme doesn’t just teach skills – it provides a platform for young people to make a real impact in their lives and the community around them, giving them the confidence to push boundaries and create positive change. I would encourage anyone thinking of applying to go for it – it could be the start of an unforgettable journey!”

For those ready to seize this opportunity, further details and application guidelines can be found by visiting the Belfast City Airport website.

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SOURCE: Belfast City Airport