One of the UK’s leading business aviation hubs has started a program to develop specific skills needed to support the recruitment of airport operations staff. Farnborough Airport and the Farnborough College of Technology yesterday launched the eight-week Airport Operations course with the intention of expanding the local skills base.

Graduates of the course will receive a professional certificate in airport operations. The curriculum covers topics such as customer service, health and safety procedures, security, and ground handling.

According to the privately-owned airport, the course establishes that students have received “the foundational knowledge and grounding needed to be able to apply for a position in the aviation industry…at Farnborough Airport or elsewhere.” Applicants of all ages should have any Level 3 educational qualifications in the UK (roughly equivalent to high school graduation) and can seek a place on the course via the College of Technology, which is not far from Farnborough Airport.

Farnborough Airport said its operations support around 3,000 jobs in the southeast London area. “As an employer of choice and responsibility, we aim to attract, train, and retain talent from all backgrounds and experiences,” said Farnborough Airport CEO Simon Geere. “In doing so, we hope to support local people into the workplace and into the aviation industry, which in turn supports and contributes to Rushmoor Borough Council’s Delivery Plan for Skills, Economy and Business.”