Birmingham Airport has again opened its doors to care‑experienced young adults, providing a two‑week placement that aimed to build workplace skills, confidence and awareness of career options within the aviation and airport services sector.
Practical exposure across departments
The scheme, delivered through the West Midlands Employer Alliance, saw five participants this year gain a behind‑the‑scenes view of airport operations. During their placements they spent time with teams including the Fire Service, Communications, Security, Airfield Safety, HR and Air Traffic Control, learning how different roles contribute to safe and efficient day‑to‑day running.
Organisers stressed the placements are focused on developing employability as much as on introducing specific jobs. Activities were designed to help the young adults grow in confidence, build practical workplace habits and consider pathways into paid employment.
Outcomes and local impact
The airport said the latest intake builds on last year’s programme, when three participants subsequently secured permanent roles within Birmingham Airport’s HR, IT and Customer Experience teams. A graduation ceremony was held at the end of the placement to recognise the participants’ achievements and to bring staff and young people together.
“It has been a privilege to welcome and support these young adults over the last two weeks. They have been curious, shown enthusiasm and thrown themselves into every experience,”
Antoinette Farrell‑Jones, Birmingham Airport’s people director, added the airport hopes some of this year’s cohort will return as staff in the coming months and years.
- Provider: Birmingham Airport in partnership with the West Midlands Employer Alliance
- Participants this year: 5
- Participants last year who gained permanent roles: 3
| Year | Participants | Known permanent roles secured |
|---|---|---|
| Previous year | 3 | 3 |
| This year | 5 | Not yet reported |
Why it matters
Care‑experienced young people typically face barriers when moving into the labour market, including gaps in workplace experience, limited professional networks and lower levels of sustained employment. Employer‑led placements such as this aim to reduce those barriers by offering hands‑on experience, mentorship and opportunities to progress into permanent roles.
For local employers, the programme provides an organised route to engage talent from under‑represented backgrounds while supporting social mobility across the West Midlands. For participants, it offers practical insight into a large employer and introduces roles that are often unseen by the public.
Further information about the West Midlands Employer Alliance and similar employer placement schemes can be obtained from the Alliance and Birmingham Airport’s careers pages for those seeking to volunteer, offer placements or apply for future opportunities.
