High-flyer students start jobs at Stansted as new scheme takes off

The aim is to give them real-world experience in a busy airport environment while supporting their personal and career development.

The students, who live in towns across the region including Bishop’s Stortford, Witham, Chingford, Harlow, Basildon, Braintree and Chelmsford, will work part-time over the next nine weeks.

They will gain valuable insights into the aviation industry, receiving full training, support from airport teams, and an hourly wage for their time.

Marcella M’Rabety, MAG’s Head of Social Sustainability, said: “This is a great opportunity for young people to get real, paid experience in a fast-moving industry like ours. We want to help them build confidence, learn valuable skills, and discover the many career paths available at the airport. It’s about opening doors and investing in the future of our local community.”

The scheme is part of Stansted’s wider commitment to supporting local people and investing in future talent as outlined in airport owner MAG’s new Sustainability Strategy launched earlier this year.

Each student has gone through a full recruitment and induction process and will be closely supported by both airport staff and the college throughout the placement.

Victoria Clayden Smith, Head of Stansted Airport College, added: “Paid work experience at the airport gives our students a real taste of working in aviation. They’ll learn valuable life and career skills, meet new people, and earn money while they’re doing it. This experience helps them feel more confident and better prepared for the world of work – and it could even lead to a job at the airport in the future.”

Run in partnership with Harlow College, Stansted Airport College is the only aviation-focused further education established at a UK airport.

More than 500 students are currently enrolled on courses related to aviation, including engineering, customer service, and airport operations.