London Gatwick Aviation Academy helps more than 100 people take the next step into employment

More than 100 people have successfully completed London Gatwick's Aviation Academy since its launch in February 2026, helping jobseekers across Sussex, Surrey and Croydon gain new skills, recognised qualifications and access to employment opportunities within the airport community.

The Aviation Academy, delivered in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Crawley College, John Ruskin College and 12 employers across the airport, gives participants a unique insight into the aviation industry while helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to secure employment.

Over the past six months, 110 participants have completed the programme's 10-day course, gaining a Level 1 Introduction to Aviation qualification and a guaranteed interview with an airport employer. 

Across the whole Academy to date, 59 participants have either secured employment or are awaiting a start date, highlighting the programme's success in creating direct pathways into work.

Sam Fulton, Director of Communications and External Affairs at London Gatwick, said: “The success of the Aviation Academy reflects London Gatwick's central role in helping to bring together employers, education providers and government partners around a shared goal of developing skills and creating opportunity. By working collaboratively across the airport community, the programme helps address workforce needs and the long-term skills needs of the aviation sector, while opening doors for jobseekers across the region”. 

Barry Cullen, Employment and Skills Lead at London Gatwick, said: "Reaching more than 100 participants in just six months is a fantastic milestone and one we’re incredibly proud of.   

“The Aviation Academy is about much more than qualifications - it's about helping people build confidence, develop new skills and access opportunities they may never have considered before.   

“Seeing participants progress into employment with employers across our airport community demonstrates the real value of the programme and the strength of the partnerships that make it possible."  

The programme's impact was recognised during a recent visit to London Gatwick by Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden, who met Aviation Academy participants and apprentices and saw first-hand how collaboration between employers, education providers and government can help create meaningful routes into employment.

Pat McFadden, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “Partnerships like the Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) at the Gatwick Aviation Academy have shown what’s possible when government and employers work together. 

“It’s clear that by giving people real work experience the chances of them moving into employment increases dramatically – with 70% of Sussex and Surrey participants now employed as a result of the Gatwick programme.  

“That’s why we remain committed to expanding our SWAPs offer to reach people looking for work across the country, backed by our wider £2.5 billion youth support package over the next three years.”

For participants, the programme can be a life-changing opportunity, providing a route into employment and opening the door to careers across the aviation sector.

Osatahamhen Odigie, an Aviation Academy graduate who now works as a Customer Service Advisor at Swissport, said: “The Aviation Academy was a great opportunity. I was really excited by the airport environment and the range of opportunities available, and the programme gave me the confidence to decide what I wanted to do as a future career."

"I deepened my knowledge, developed customer service skills and met lots of new people, some of whom I now work alongside at Swissport. The qualification covered many aspects of aviation and has been extremely useful in my day-to-day role.

“The programme has helped me get to where I am now and I would encourage anyone who is unsure about their next step to give it a try – you never know where the journey could take you.”

Abbe Waterman, National Aviation Academy Lead, DWP said: “Aviation Academies have played a pivotal role in supporting unemployed people into sustainable employment within the aviation sector. 

“Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the transformative impact of the programme. Previous attendees have described the experience as “life-changing”, stating that “I have a purpose now” and that “the support from the programme has allowed me to rebuild my life.” These testimonials demonstrate the significant difference Aviation Academies continue to make in helping individuals overcome barriers to employment and achieve positive life outcomes.