Training Partnership Takes Off

A training initiative aimed at boosting the skills of Manchester Airport workers has seen its official launch at Terminal 2.

Details of the new ‘Airport Learn’ programme were unveiled as representatives of Trafford College, airport employers and Trade Unions gathered for the opening of the Airport Learn Centre by Andrew Cornish, Managing Director for Manchester Airport, who was joined by Sir Bill Moorcroft, Principal of Trafford College for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The new project brings about a unique partnership between the airport and Trafford College to provide training opportunities at a centre dedicated solely to helping employees develop skills and qualifications for future progression, and ultimately help deliver the airport’s strategy for service excellence across the organisation.  Programmes will include Languages, IT, Deaf Awareness, Essential Skills and Customer Services courses, to name but a few.

Despite being in its first few months of development, the new partnership has already proven successful in helping the airport deliver essential training to staff.

When faced with staffing efficiencies as a result of the economic downturn and falling passenger numbers earlier this year, the airport worked with the College to help deliver their strategy for managing the situation, and avoided compulsory redundancies among the talented workforce.

The College worked closely with Airport Managers and Trade Unions, resulting in stronger working relations between the two. Airport employers were keen to harness existing talent at the airport so that valuable staff members weren’t lost from the organisation, and the immediate priority was identifying openings where staff could be redeployed. The College provided training programmes such as Career Planning Support, CV Presentation and Interview Techniques to help those at risk re-evaluate their situation, and prepare for new opportunities presented to them.

Tracey Thompson of Airport Learn commented on the training partnership: “Airport Learn is a project I’m proud to be a part of as its main aim is to help enhance the lives of colleagues and their families by offering a wide range of learning opportunities.  Since commencing the programme earlier this year, I’ve been lucky enough to have an insight into what affect it has had on the personal development of many colleagues, whether that be preparing for a new career at the airport or enhancing their current skills base to help them in their role.

“According to the feedback received over recent weeks, Manchester Airport based colleagues now have a clearer vision for the future, not only in their working environment but also in their personal lives.”

The new facilities unveiled at Terminal 2 will now provide much needed accommodation for the growing numbers of employees who want to benefit from the new training opportunities available through Airport Learn.

Andrew Cornish commented after the launch: “The Airport Learn centre has a bright future ahead of it and we are confident that it will play a key role in helping make Manchester Airport a centre of excellence for learning and development. None of this could have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of the Airport Learn team who should all be very proud of the contribution they have made.”

Sir Bill Moorcroft, Principal of Trafford College added: “Trafford College has a long and well established reputation of working with employers to develop training solutions to meet their skills needs. The new ‘Airport Learn’ partnership will enable us to co-ordinate a structured approach to learning and skills, and work to each others’ strengths. I have no doubt that the commitment shown by Manchester Airport in the training of their staff, along with the training expertise of the College, will help set the standards for the future.”