Airport scheme offers work opportunities

The scheme includes careers workshops, cv and interview preparation as well as work placement opportunities across a number of airport departments and companies.

Four candidates have already found employment with airport companies HMS Host and Nuance Tax and Duty Free and according to London City Airport community relations manager Elizabeth Hegarty it is the most successful scheme they have run.

She said: "Take off into Work is not the first into-work training programme the airport has delivered, but so far it has been the most successful, engaging other companies operating on-site as well as the airport operator."

Unsuccessful candidates still benefit from the scheme, receiving a reference from a reputable employer and increased confidence and employability skills for future interviews.

The Airport, and the 58 other employers based on-site, employs over 2,000 staff, many living in East London. The airport aims to employ 70 per cent of its staff from within five miles of the airport site, with 35 per cent of these from the London Borough of Newham.

Richard Gooding OBE, chief executive of London City Airport, said: "Our aim is to target as many local jobs at the airport towards local people. Working within aviation is very unique. Through this scheme we can give potential candidates an insight into the different roles, the requirements needed and focus their training needs in order for them to become ideal candidates for future vacancies."

The Take off Into Work Programme will run five times this year and also has the support of Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales.

He said: "London City Airport is a big employer of local people and they play a vital role in developing the skills of local people and giving opportunity to residents looking to make a better life for themselves."