LONDON, 2014-9-24 — /Travel PR News/ — A new Community Internship programme run by London City Airport has placed its first intern.
The Docklands Equestrian Centre has become the first organisation to receive an intern from the programme, spearheaded by the airport in partnership with the University of East London (UEL).
Fred Turuka, awarded a three month, paid contract, will be responsible for driving marketing and commercial activity, to attract visitors and supporters and to help raise vital funds. Fred lives in Manor Park and studied Cultural Studies at UEL.
The initiative has been designed to provide skilled business support for local charities, at the same time as creating employment opportunities for UEL students and alumni.
Liam McKay, Head of CSR & Public Affairs at London City Airport said: “As one of the largest employers in Newham, we provide hundreds of job opportunities at the airport. Our new Community Internship programme extends those opportunities into other industries and provides much needed support for local organisations trying to develop their businesses.”
Eric Sorensen, Trustee of the Docklands Equestrian Centre commented: “On behalf of the trustees and staff we warmly welcome Fred to the charity and look forward to him bringing communications and commercial support to the team. Our thanks go to London City Airport, whom we are grateful to be working in partnership with on this programme”.
Mark Faulkner, Employability and Enterprise Project Manager at UEL said: “UEL is delighted to be working directly with London City Airport and to have been able to support this particular charity. We look forward to working together on assisting further community partners with interns in the future.”
The airport will be calling for other local organisations to submit their business case for an intern in the coming months.
Editors note
London City Airport (LCY) is the only London airport situated in London itself, just three miles from Canary Wharf, seven miles from the City and 10 miles from London’s West End and linked to all via the Docklands Light Railway. Catering for around 3.4 million passengers (63% travelling on business) and 70,000 movements annually, this year LCY will celebrate 27 years of operation. LCY offers a unique rapid transit proposition – a short check in (door to lounge) of around 20 minutes, and a shorter arrival (tarmac to train) of around 15 minutes. Ten airlines fly out of LCY, serving more than 40 destinations across Europe, as well as a twice-daily business class only service to New York. The airport has permission to increase its operation to 120,000 movements per annum – carrying 6 million passengers – which it intends to do by 2023.