MAG launches new aviation careers programme as Sustainability Report highlights investment in skills and employment

First of its kind Aviation Operations programme launched by Trafford & Stockport College Group and Manchester Airport
The programme builds on MAG’s industry leading skills and employment scheme, which supported more than more than 25,000 young people last year
Students will benefit from enhanced employer engagement, work experience and tailored support into employment through the Manchester Airport Skills Hub
Initiative supports MAG's commitment to creating pathways into employment for young people, including those at risk of becoming NEET
Launch came as MAG published its annual Sustainability Report, outlining progress against its Sustainability Strategy: Creating a sustainable future for all

Young people will get a behind-the-scenes taste of airports through a first-of-its-kind scheme aimed at helping students take their first step on the career ladder.

The new programme - designed by Manchester Airport and Trafford and Stockport College Group - will see learners gain work experience in live operational environments and learn about the different jobs they can do in aviation.

It forms part of the Manchester Airport Skills Hub - launched in 2025 - which aims to create a long-term talent pipeline to support the growth of aviation in the North.

More than 40 students are enrolled in the first intake for the Airport Operations Course, which will also support young people at risk of finding themselves not in employment, education or training (NEET).

Successful completion of the programme can lead to employment, apprenticeships, higher education and a variety of exciting careers within Manchester Airport and the wider aviation industry.

It was launched at an event at Trafford & Stockport College, attended by industry leaders, partners, staff and students. Guests were given an exclusive look at the college’s new-look Aviation Department, which features Manchester Airports Group (MAG) branding, as part of the partnership between the two organisations.

This came as MAG published its annual Sustainability Report, detailing progress made against targets in its Sustainability Strategy: Creating a sustainable future for all.

The report highlights MAG's continued investment in skills, education and employment opportunities across its three airports - Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands. During 2025/26, the Group supported the education of more than 25,700 young people in the regions it serves, through initiatives designed to inspire and raise aspirations and help people access employment opportunities.

Through its wide-reaching programme of Aerozones, Airport Academies, and the industry first Stansted Airport College, MAG supports young people who face barriers to employment and are at risk of not entering employment, education or training (NEET), helping them build confidence, develop workplace skills and connect with employers.

The report also highlights the success of MAG's Aviation Careers Festivals, which connected more than 1,500 young people from across the North, Midlands and South with employers from across the aviation industry, providing valuable insight into the wide range of careers available within the sector.

Alongside progress on skills and employment, the Report details positive developments against MAG's decarbonisation targets, including a 26% reduction in airport (Scope 1 and 2 market-based) emissions in 2025/26 compared with a 2019 baseline.

It also sets out the Group’s achievements in protecting nature and enhancing biodiversity at its airports, alongside its continued commitment to surrounding communities, donating more than £495,000 to local initiatives through its Community Funds.

MAG CEO Ken O’Toole said:

"Aviation offers an exceptionally broad range of careers, but it is important that young people can see those opportunities from an early age, and develop the skills and experience needed to access them. This programme is a great example of how we're working with education partners to create clear pathways into employment.

“As a major employer across the North, Midlands and South, MAG has a significant role to play in providing skills and employment opportunities that allow surrounding communities to thrive.

“The progress set out in our annual Sustainability Report demonstrates the positive impact our approach is having on real people across the country, alongside developments to achieve our decarbonisation target of net zero carbon operations by 2038, and in our approach to targeted and effective community engagement.

“Creating a pipeline of future talent for our industry is vital to its future success, and MAG is playing a significant role – working together with Government, regulators and industry partners and local communities- to deliver that.”

Councillor Thomas Robinson, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Giving young people in our city the skills they need to access good-quality jobs is a key priority for us, and this new aviation course is another important step towards achieving that.

"Working in partnership with Trafford College and Manchester Airport Group, we are creating clear pathways into a thriving sector, helping 16 to 19-year-olds develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to pursue rewarding careers in aviation. This course forms part of the next phase of our Skills Hub programme, which is connecting Manchester residents with training and employment opportunities linked to some of the city-region’s biggest growth industries. We are looking forward to welcoming the new students in this new academic chapter."