Stansted Airport’s apprentices and young staff sign up for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Stansted Airport has a new partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award.
The agreement offers apprentices and young workers the opportunity to achieve gold through the DofE business programme.
The first to sign up were three apprentices from the airport’s engineering and motor transport teams, plus colleagues from the customer experience and resourcing teams.
They are now part of a five-stage programme to learn a new skill, take on a physical activity or sport, join a residential experience, volunteer in their community and tackle an outdoor expedition.
James Baker, Stansted’s engineering director, said: “We’re delighted to partner with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to offer the Gold DofE Award to our apprentices and young colleagues, a fantastic opportunity for [them] to learn and build an invaluable array of important life skills in addition to their work-based training and development.
“We know the DofE has a positive impact on young people’s skills, wellbeing and community ties, and we are committed to investing in our young talent so they can become the best they can be and a real asset to the business.
“I believe this partnership can not only help transform our apprentices into well-rounded and confident colleagues and potential leaders of the future, but it will also help us attract, develop and retain talent as the airport continues to grow and thrive.”
Airport engineering apprentice Jake Danskin said: “I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first signed up for the DofE, but the Gold Award experience has been fantastic so far.
“The recent residential trip was a real highlight for me. I’ve made new friends in different areas of the airport that I wouldn’t normally have the chance to connect with.
“Being part of this programme has been incredibly rewarding and I’m excited for the challenges and activities ahead.
“By the end of the course, I hope to build even more confidence and feel comfortable engaging with even more people across the airport.”
Alex McDowell, director of fundraising for the DofE Award, said: “This cohort will gain essential skills to support their career development, including leadership, teamwork and confidence, while also supporting their wellbeing and fostering collaboration.
“By partnering with the charity, London Stansted will also enable young people who might struggle to access the DofE to take part in a life-changing programme.”
