Heathrow’s ‘class of 2009’ will take a bow tonight, as 200 airport-based staff graduate from the airport’s pioneering training and apprenticeship programmes.
The Heathrow Retail Academy is backed by the Learning and Skills Council and provides a number of significant qualifications – including a new degree in retail operations and people management, as well as NVQs – aimed at staff based predominantly in the airport’s shops and restaurants.
Tonight’s ceremony also celebrates the achievements of 16 engineering apprentices, graduating from BAA’s 30-year old apprenticeship scheme.
Looking forward to the event, Colin Matthews, CEO of BAA said: “Heathrow is one of this country’s most important assets, and its success is absolutely bound to the quality of talent who works here.
“This graduation is a celebration of the outstanding achievements of a number of people across a range of organisations, each of whom will I am sure help make Heathrow better for passengers – today and in the future.
“Whether ensuring that the lights on the runway work every time or that the coffee is served to each individual passenger’s complete satisfaction, the role of Heathrow’s people should never be underestimated, nor taken for granted. With more than 70,000 people working at Heathrow, the airport is a major provider of interesting and varied careers.”
The first ever graduates of The Foundation Degree in Retail Operations and People Management took to the stage in full cap and gown to receive their certificates. Five students had studied for two years on one of the first degrees of its type. Developed in partnership with TVU and the Heathrow Retail Academy, the degree was designed so that students could learn at the airport, enabling them to easily continue their career while studying.
Sixteen engineering apprentices celebrated the completion of a four year programme that combined studying at Kingston College with on-the-job training across the airport. They have all gone on to gain permanent employment with BAA in an area that boasts some of the airport’s longest-standing employees. This prestigious apprenticeship has been running for over 30 years.
The majority of learners were celebrating success in gaining apprenticeships and NVQs in a variety of retail and customer service related subjects.
Brian Woodhead, BAA Retail Concessions Director says: “Both staff and employers gain a considerable amount through structured, credible training programmes. Motivated staff who feel valued are more likely to provide better customer service; and the offer of career development is central to staff retention – something particularly important for airport employers.
“For many, this is the first time they have returned to education since leaving school so it’s important that what’s taught is interesting and relevant. I am delighted that we have so many celebrating here this evening and that the Heathrow Retail Academy is continuing to grow.”
This is the fourth year airport staff have been able to undertake retail apprenticeship training and NVQs. The qualifications are administered through the Heathrow Retail Academy which was established in 2004 with training for just 20 airport staff. Since then, 500 learners have gained a qualification and BAA Staff are now able to gain an NVQ in customer service.
Notes to Editors
The Foundation Degree in Retail Operations and People Management
The degree is among the first to be delivered so that teaching could take place close to the students place of work. Airport employers including Dixons, JD Wetherspoon and Tie Rack were involved in its development which was designed to reflect the business environment in which the students work. Modules included subjects such as retail marketing; organisational behaviour, and people management.
Heathrow Retail Academy
With funding from the Learning and Skills Council, airport employees can gain an Apprenticeship, NVQ in subjects including: Retail Skills, Customer Service, Team Leading and Hospitality. Programmes vary in length – there are 6, 12 or 18 month courses. Learning is mainly work-based with the support of mentors and vocational assessors. Training programmes are designed to that staff can participate with minimal disruption to employers.
BAA Engineering Apprenticeship
BAA has around 80 apprentices at different stages of a four-year course. This year there were approximately 1000 applications for 11 places.
The scheme has been running since 1977 training around 420 apprentices, with more than 98% offered permanent positions with BAA. Since the scheme started, over 75% of the ex-apprentices are still with BAA, and over 60 have progressed into management positions.
The scheme has a national reputation for producing airport specific technicians with the right skills and knowledge. BAA gains apprentices with skills that match the company’s requirements in terms of qualifications, technical discipline and airport knowledge.
BAA is an awarding centre with EAL (EMTA Awards Limited), and can award the range of qualifications required for the initial training of technicians.
All apprentices follow an EMTA Awards Limited framework for an Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering Maintenance, with the main aim of acquiring an NVQ Level 3 in Engineering Maintenance.
The Learning and Skills Council
NVQs and apprentices are funded by the Learning and Skills Council, which exists to make England better skilled and more competitive.
