Thirty Newcastle College students have secured permanent roles at Newcastle Airport after graduating from the airport’s Ambassador Programme, delivered in partnership with the college’s Aviation Academy.

The graduates have joined the airport in a range of frontline positions, including security and passenger services, after completing the scheme, which combines classroom learning with practical experience across multiple airport departments.

More than 40% of students who have completed the programme have gone on to secure employment with Newcastle Airport or its business partners, including Swissport and Jet2.

Among the latest recruits are Erin Hope Thirlaway, who has joined the airport’s security team, and Aidan Calder, who now works in passenger services.

Thirlaway said: “The Ambassador Programme was fantastic. Getting to work with the different teams and see first-hand what it’s like to work at the Airport really helped me develop my skills and stand out when it came to applying for the job.”

Calder said: “The programme was brilliant for developing my skills, especially in customer service. I love talking to passengers and meeting new people and I’m really enjoying working in the team.”

Alice Andreasen, chief corporate affairs officer at Newcastle Airport and Newcastle College Skills Board member, said: “We’re proud of our long-standing partnership with Newcastle College and are delighted to welcome so many students into our teams.

“The Ambassador Programme is a fantastic example of how education institutions and major employers can work together to create real opportunities for young people.

“It’s inspiring to see the students grow in confidence and develop their skills while working alongside our teams. The programme creates a clear pathway into the industry and we look forward to supporting them as they progress in their careers.”

Karen Trenerry, assistant head of curriculum for aviation at Newcastle College, said the programme continues to help address aviation workforce shortages in the region.

She said: “We are incredibly proud of the continued success of our Ambassador Programme this year.

“With over 40% of our current cohort progressing straight into employment with Newcastle Airport and key stakeholders such as Swissport and Jet2, the impact speaks for itself.

“This unique initiative, developed here at Newcastle College, is actively helping to close the aviation skills gap across the North East.

“It’s a programme that not only supports our students into meaningful careers but also strengthens the future of the region’s aviation industry – and that is something we are truly proud of.”

The Ambassador Programme is available to students at Newcastle College’s Aviation Academy, which is located adjacent to Newcastle Airport. The academy offers courses in aeronautical engineering, aviation operations and cabin crew training, with students benefiting from practical instruction in a 1,500 sqm hangar housing operational aircraft.

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