Six students from Bitterne Park School reached new heights at Southampton Airport, as a part of the strategic partnership initiatives, between the airport and the school. Students work-shadowed with staff from Security, Engineering, Airside Operations, Marketing & Public Affairs and the Information Desk for a two week work placement. Students experienced a thorough taste of the job application process, with letters of application and competitive interviews to get their sought after placements.

The strategic partnership was launched in 2004, by John Denham MP. The partnership features many initiatives including; careers advice, competitions, work experience, awards evenings and real live business case-studies. In addition, the airport’s Head of Human Resources, Gayle Callaway, has become a Governor of the school, further strengthening the link.

The airport also sponsors the school’s Enterprise Days, in which students develop key business skills for their future careers. This year, pupils were given £40 per tutor group and challenged to start a profitable business. Ideas included; cake stalls, hair products, Ebay trading, St. Valentines themed gifts and shoe shining. The profits will go towards supporting local charities.

Jade Higgins, Year 10 Student at Bitterne Park School, said: “Work experience at the airport has been a totally different experience to anything we have done before. The staff have been extremely friendly and welcoming. I would definitely consider looking at working in this type of industry when I leave school.”

Matthew Murphy, Year 10 Student at Bitterne Park School, said: “Work experience at the airport has helped me to develop new skills for the future.  It was a great experience working on the airfield, giving us a real taste of the world of work.”

Gayle Callaway, Head of Human Resources at Southampton Airport and School Governor, commented: “It was a pleasure to welcome the students from Bitterne Park School for the work experience programme. This year the standard was set even higher, with a full application and interview process taking place, which will really help to develop their employment skills, essential for their future careers.”

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Note to editors

This press release was written by Pooja Rajguru during her work experience placement at Southampton Airport.