Level 3 Travel students have taken an important step towards their future careers after taking part in LLA Launchpad, a new aviation careers initiative delivered by London Luton Airport (LLA). The programme gave students firsthand insight into the wide range of roles available within one of the region’s largest employers.
As part of the programme’s first sessions, students visited the airport to take part in interactive workshops and activities designed to help them explore their options and build confidence. These experiences enabled students to gain a real understanding of careers across the aviation industry, while also highlighting clear pathways into apprenticeships and employment at the airport.
Throughout the programme, students received tailored careers advice and employability support. Sessions focused on understanding different job roles, identifying career pathways aligned to individual interests and strengths, and developing essential workplace skills such as CV writing, interview techniques, professionalism and workplace communication.
A key element of LLA Launchpad was direct engagement with industry professionals, giving students the opportunity to ask questions, hear real experiences and understand how education can translate into genuine job opportunities, including apprenticeships at London Luton Airport.
Students also developed a range of transferable skills needed for success in any professional setting. Workshops focused on confidencebuilding, understanding workplace expectations, developing resilience and gaining insight into what it is like to work in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
The impact on students was clear. Almost 95% reported increased confidence in their employability skills, and threequarters are now considering a future career in aviation, with roles spanning engineering, digital, customer service, operations and leadership.
Nik Jones, HR Director at London Luton Airport, commented:“What a fantastic start to the year it has been for London Luton Airport’s programme of education and skills development activities! From kickstarting the search for our next cohort of talented local apprentices, to the launch of LLA Launchpad, the scope and scale of support being provided to people in our local community continues to evolve. LLA’s community team, working alongside Luton Council’s Children, Families and Education team, and wonderfully supported by volunteers from across the airport, are carrying out some incredible work with young people in our local area, whilst shining a light on the many exciting career paths that are open to them.”
LLA Launchpad forms part of London Luton Airport’s wider Classroom to Careers initiative, delivered in partnership with the Skills Builder Partnership, which aims to give young people meaningful exposure to employers and the essential skills needed for long-term success.
Amanda Washbrook, Deputy Principal; Partnerships and Business Development at Barnfield College, said:“Our partnership with London Luton Airport reflects a shared commitment to developing talent that will keep the airport and town moving forward. Launchpad builds on this by giving young people direct insight into the skills, professionalism and opportunities within one of the region’s most significant employers. It offers a clear route into high value careers and apprenticeships at LLA in aviation, engineering, digital, customer service and many more. We are proud to support a programme that helps more young people see themselves as the future workforce of LLA.”
LLA Launchpad is supported by the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund, a joint initiative between the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority. The fund supports community outreach projects that seek to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals and create opportunities for groups currently underrepresented in the sector.
Opportunities like Launchpad show how the college works with employers to give students real-world experiences that make a real difference. By partnering with organisations such as London Luton Airport, the college helps students develop the confidence, skills and ambition they need to progress into apprenticeships, skilled employment or further study.
If you’re interested in a course that connects learning with real employers and opens doors to exciting career opportunities, our Travel and Aviation courses could be your next step.