Image: London Gatwick
Seven university graduates have started their London Gatwick careers this week, as the airport relaunched its graduate programme following a pause during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Five female and two male graduates were offered places on the scheme, from a pool of more than 1,500 applicants. They will be working across seven different departments, including Construction, IT, HR, Security, Operational Planning, Commercial, and Corporate Affairs, all on two-year contracts except construction, which is a three-year placement.
The successful candidates have a range of undergraduate and master’s degrees, such as Geography, Mathematics, Terrorism and Security, and Air Transport Management, from establishments including the University of Sussex, the University of Surrey and UCL.
Clare Ead, Talent Acquisition Partner, London Gatwick said: “We are delighted to relaunch our highly successful graduate programme. The scheme provides fantastic opportunities for talented and ambitious graduates to gain hands-on experience at London Gatwick, developing their knowledge, skills and confidence.
“Many past members of the graduate programme have gone on to enjoy long and successful careers at Gatwick and elsewhere within the aviation industry. We are really excited to see what this year’s cohort can achieve.”
Olivia Webster, Corporate Affairs Graduate, London Gatwick said: “I am really excited to begin my two-year graduate programme at London Gatwick. I chose this scheme because I wanted to work for a company with a dynamic and global outlook, as well as join a structured learning programme.
“As I rotate across different teams within my departmental area, I’m looking forward to understanding more about how the airport functions and building my skills and confidence in a professional setting.”
London Gatwick has confirmed 12 places on its 2024 graduate programme, with additional roles in engineering, sustainability, aerodrome, finance and legal. Applications will open next month, with assessments taking place in early 2024.
Apprenticeship programme
The airport has also expanded its successful apprenticeship programme this year, with six roles across Engineering, IT and Cyber Security. The 2023 cohort – comprising three female and three male students – also started this week. They will combine their hands-on experience at Gatwick with courses at local colleges.
London Gatwick is investing in its long-term future and its planning application to bring the airport’s Northern Runway into regular use has recently been accepted for detailed examination by the Planning Inspectorate. This low-impact plan will improve resilience, reduce delays, and provide a significant boost to the national and regional economy by supporting trade, tourism and new jobs.
