Young people find employment through George Best Belfast City High Flyers Apprenticeship Scheme

Belfast, Northern Ireland, 2016-Dec-02 — /Travel PR News/ — Another Belfast young person has found employment through George Best Belfast City Airport’s ‘High Flyers Apprenticeship’ scheme.

Through Swann Training Services, Joshua Kirkaldy has joined the programme as an onsite firefighter. Joshua is the youngest ever to do so, being just 19 years old.

Following the successful completion of the required qualifications and training, the apprenticeship will result in full time employment at the Airport’s Fire Service.

Joshua will be the second apprentice to land employment within the Fire Service.

Joshua said:

“I’m delighted to be given the opportunity by Belfast City Airport, particularly when employment opportunities across the fire service are hard to come by.

“All the staff at the airport and within the Fire Service have made me feel so welcome and I’ve already learnt so much.

“Working as a firefighter has always been a dream of mine and I would like to thank Belfast City Airport and Swann training for making it a reality through their ongoing apprenticeship
partnership.”

Through partnering with local training providers, the airport’s apprenticeship scheme, which is supported by the Department for Education and Learning (DEL), offers participants a work based learning placement of up to two years in a vast range of disciplines such as Business Administration, Customer Service, Hospitality and Catering and Retail.

Station Commander Grahame Bennison at Belfast City Airport and Joshua’s mentor, said:

“Due to the challenging economic climate, young people often struggle to get their foot on the employment ladder due to lack of experience.

“We are committed at the airport in supporting and investing in young people and giving them opportunities. Our High Flyers Apprenticeship scheme is a great way to give them valuable experience and kick start their careers.

“Josh is a first for us, not only being the youngest member of staff we have employed on the team, but also the first firefighter to start and complete all his training with us.

“Demonstrating all the key traits of a successful firefighter so far, dedication, hard work and skill, we are delighted to have Josh on board.”

Jackie Courtenay, Chief Executive at Swann Training said:

“At Swann Training, we work consistently to enhance and change the lives of the people we work with.

“We are so grateful that one of east Belfast’s largest employers, Belfast City Airport, has accepted our client Josh for their highly successful apprenticeship scheme, particularly in such a unique role.

“Having on board employers such as Belfast City Airport makes Swann Training a success and inspires so many other young people to get their foot in the door and start a life-long career. We cannot thank them enough for the support and look forward to working with them further to provide more young people with vital experience.”

If you, or someone you know between the ages of 16 and 24, would be interested in the scheme, applications for the remaining positions can be made through the airport’s chosen training organisations – Swann Training or Workforce Training.

More information about the George Best Belfast City High Flyers Apprenticeship Scheme, supported by DEL, can be found here on our website.

SOURCE: George Best Belfast City Airpor

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