Employment skills recruitment shoot – Airfield Engineering Shoot with Airfield Duty Engineer & Engineering Apprentices – Heathrow Terminal 5 Photo credit – David Poultney – In-Press Photography for Heathrow Airport
(IN SHORT) Heathrow Airport has pledged to train 500 local apprentices by 2030 through its shared apprenticeship scheme, up from 157 enrollees and 49 completers since 2018. Open to residents of the nine boroughs around the airport, apprenticeships are fully funded by Heathrow and span roles in construction, engineering, and data analytics. Apprentice Yanil Patel highlights the programme’s practical learning and supportive environment. Director of Communities and Sustainability Becky Coffin underscores the initiative’s role in developing local talent. This commitment marks the first phase of Heathrow’s broader strategy to build a skilled workforce, with further expansion plans to be detailed in upcoming government proposals.
(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 2025-Jul-15 — /Travel PR News/ — Heathrow Airport has committed to enrolling 500 local apprentices in its shared apprenticeship programme by 2030, reinforcing its mission to connect neighbouring communities with on‑site employment opportunities. Since the scheme’s launch in 2018, 157 apprentices have joined and 49 have already completed their training. Over the next five years, Heathrow and its construction and infrastructure partners aim to grow participation to 500, providing apprentices with unparalleled exposure across the airport’s wide supply chain.
Targeting residents of the airport’s nine surrounding London boroughs, the initiative opens doors for both school leavers and those seeking a mid‑career change. Apprenticeships are fully funded by Heathrow and hosted by diverse employers on‑site, building a skilled talent pipeline for roles such as quantity surveying, quality assurance, building and energy management, electrical installation, carpentry, site supervision, and data analytics.
Yanil Patel, originally from Hillingdon, chose a new career path in his thirties and now works as a civil engineering apprentice. “This scheme offers real, hands‑on experience alongside supportive professionals,” he says. “If you’re considering it, go for it—you’ll earn while you learn and gain invaluable skills.”
Becky Coffin, Heathrow’s Director of Communities and Sustainability, emphasizes the programme’s broader impact: “We want Heathrow to be a place where local talent thrives. By equipping our neighbours with lifelong skills, we strengthen our community and ensure the airport remains a hub of opportunity.”
These apprenticeship targets represent the first phase of a long‑term skills strategy, with even greater potential to expand opportunities outlined in Heathrow’s forthcoming development proposals to government this summer. For more information or to apply, visit the Heathrow Employment and Skills Academy website.
Media contact:
media_centre@heathrow.com
SOURCE: Heathrow Airport Limited
