Welcome LLA’s new local apprentices

Working closely with Bedford College, online provider LDN Apprenticeships, and West Hertfordshire College Group, LLA recently welcomed its first cohort of the apprenticeship programme. The six apprentices are now embarking on 12 to 18-month apprenticeships across a range of disciplines including Sustainability, Health & Safety, Digital Marketing, Guest Experience and Commercial. Placements for the scheme were targeted to local people aged 18 years and over living in LU1 to LU4 postcodes.

Highlighting the diversity of LLA’s career pathways, the new recruits will work towards a range of industry-recognised apprenticeship qualifications including:

• Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner

• Level 3 Business Administrator

• Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer

• Level 4 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner

The LLA apprenticeship scheme forms part of LLA’s evolving education and skills development initiatives that includes its flagship ‘Classroom to Careers’ programme. To date, the hugely successful programme has seen volunteers from across the airport deliver tailored learning opportunities, including essential skills and environmental workshops, to over 300 students from 11 local schools last year.

Nik Jones, HR Director at London Luton Airport, commented: “Our new look apprenticeship programme aims to provide people within our local community with opportunities to access supported employment across a diverse range of career paths at London Luton Airport. As one of the UK’s busiest airports, and a key anchor employer of Luton*, LLA is committed to creating new employment opportunities, stimulating the local economy and contributing to the success and wellbeing of local people, so it's a pleasure to welcome our first cohort of apprentices. We wish them all every success as they embark on the first exciting steps of their chosen careers.”

Councillor Javeria Hussain, Luton Council’s Portfolio Holder for skills and employability, said: “Luton Council has worked with London Luton Airport to develop their new apprenticeship scheme and we are delighted to see the first cohort of apprentices officially begin their journey. This scheme is helping to deliver on our Luton 2040 vision to help our local young people to raise their aspirations, grow their skills and access high quality career pathways.”

Gina Bubbins, Director of Business Engagement and Partnerships at Bedford College, said: “The Bedford College Group is the largest provider of post-16 education and training in Bedfordshire. This new partnership with London Luton Airport represents a fantastic opportunity for our apprenticeship students to gain experience working within such a multi-faceted and dynamic organisation. Apprenticeships not only enrich student learning but also support economic growth and skills development within the locality, helping to directly address the 'skills gap'. LLA is a crucial organisation within the community, and we are delighted to be a catalyst for great local opportunities going to skilled local people.”

Last year, LLA Resourcing Lead* Tiana Warren was awarded the highly commended Young Apprentice of the Year award at the Luton Borough Council Apprenticeship Awards, after completing her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship at the airport.

Tiana commented: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to kick-start a career, as they allow you to earn while you learn and gain valuable, hands-on experience in the workplace. Doing an apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally, and has really helped me to develop my career. I’m proud to see LLA continuing to invest in future talent through this programme and I’m really looking forward to seeing all the great things our new apprentices achieve here."

*Tiana completed her apprenticeship as Resourcing Administrator, and has since been promoted to Resourcing Lead.