Jobs, funding and local partnerships key to London Luton Airport’s community engagement success

London Luton Airport has today published its 2014 Community Engagement report which highlights the Airport’s success working with the community to create tangible benefits for local people and local businesses.

In 2014 its flagship youth employment programme ‘Get into Airports’, run in partnership with The Prince’s Trust, saw 28 young people complete the scheme of which 78% have gained work as a direct result.

The impact of the ‘Get into Airports’ programme has been far reaching, inspiring other employers to run their own schemes with The Prince’s Trust. Having offered a placement for a young person on the second Airport programme Thameslink Railways adopted the ‘Get into’ model and created ‘Get into Railways’. Thameslink has now run five programmes with 80% of participants gaining employment.

As set out in last year’s targets the Airport has increased employment opportunities through expansion of the scheme. The Airport’s extensive supply chain, which supports the pool of placement providers, has been expanded with new additions including Harrods Aviation and Landmark Aviation.

As the programme grows from strength to strength, the Airport is looking for aviation enthusiasts seeking employment and training aged 18-25 to join future programmes. Please register your interest with anna.crump@princes-trust.org.uk

‘Get into Airports’ is just one of the successes of the Airport’s Community Engagement strategy to date and is testament to the strong relationships that have been built with all stakeholders, partners and the local community. Other highlights include a supply chain event ‘Meet the Buyer’ which connected 44 local businesses with Airport related companies, a two year partnership with Sue Ryder aiming to raise £80,000 and £50,000 donated to local charities though our Community Trust Fund.

Nick Barton, CEO of LLA, said: “LLA’s CSR strategy is going from strength to strength. Our 2014 Community Engagement Report shows how our strong partnerships across our supply chain, local businesses, charities, community groups is making a real difference for the local community.

“As the region’s largest employer, working with the community will be more important than ever. The success of our ‘Get into Airports’ programme with The Prince’s Trust is a fantastic example of how we are striving to make sure all local people benefit from the Airport’s growth. “

To view the full report please click here