North Somerset students go behind the scenes at Bristol Airport to explore aviation careers

The visit aimed to provide younger students with meaningful experiences of the workplace, supporting the Government’s ambition for all young people to have access to two weeks’ worth of work experience.

Around 30 Year 8 students from Worle, Clevedon and Backwell schools visited the Airport earlier this month as part of a WECA-led experience of work, designed to help young people gain a better understanding of working in the aviation industry and the career opportunities available at the Airport.

The visit gave students an insight into the wide range of roles involved in keeping an airport operating, from customer service, aviation operations, to security and commercial roles.

As part of the day, students also visited the Centreline hangar, where they got a taste of what it is like to work around an aircraft. Under the guidance of the Centreline team, students had the opportunity to try their hand at marshalling, using signalling bats to direct a vehicle on the ground.

The visit also included an introduction and discussion on the history of Bristol Airport, an insight into the passenger journey and opportunities for students to learn more about the skills, qualifications and career pathways available across the aviation sector.

Bristol Airport works with schools, colleges, universities and education partners across North Somerset and South Bristol to provide careers sessions, educational visits, and work experience placements to learn more about employment opportunities within the aviation sector.

Mark Davies, Head of Careers, Destinations & Trips and Visits Coordinator at Clevedon School, said:

“Clevedon Year 8 had a wonderful time at Bristol Airport. The programme provided a positive opportunity for students to become fully immersed in the day to day operations of the airport - visiting both public facing and behind the scenes areas offered an insight into the many roles and business partners which combine to make the airport run so smoothly. Students left having had a great day and having been inspired as to future careers in aviation.”

Leeza Cuthbertson, Career Lead at Worle Community School, said:

“A fantastic opportunity for our Year 8 students, some of whom may never have travelled outside Weston or visited an airport before. The students gained an in-depth insight of the aviation and travel industry, which may convert into a dream job one day.”

Harry Ellis, Corporate Affairs and Community Engagement Executive, Bristol Airport said:

“We were delighted to welcome students from across North Somerset to Bristol Airport and give them a real insight into the wide range of careers available across the aviation sector. Being able to give the students practical experiences, such as visiting the Centreline hangar, was a great way of bringing those careers to life and helping them understand the skills and qualities needed to work in the industry.

“We’re proud to play our part in supporting young people across North Somerset and helping them gain a better understanding of the exciting career opportunities on their doorstep at Bristol Airport.”

Bristol Airport is the region’s largest private sector employer, with around 5,800 people working across a wide variety of roles, including apprenticeships. The Airport works closely with local schools and colleges to raise awareness of the diverse career opportunities available in aviation and provide pathways into employment. To help make these opportunities more accessible, the Airport also offers employees free travel on its A1, A3 and A4 bus services to support their journeys to and from work.