A Flying Start to Future Careers: Aviation Work Experience with London Gatwick

A Meaningful Career Journey

For many young people, the careers available to them are shaped by what they know and have access too. That’s why work experience is so important – it broadens horizons by opening doors to industries and opportunities that young people might not have encountered or considered otherwise.

Airports are home to a diverse range of roles and a world of possibilities, which makes them a brilliant environment for work experience and future careers. In July 2026, London Gatwick hosted a 5-day in-person work experience for young people. Gatwick is the UK’s second largest airport and a vital piece of national infrastructure that helps drive the regional and national economy. In 2024, over 43 million passengers travelled through, with flights served by served by 59 airlines. Its open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – thanks to the many roles and teams working together to keep everything moving smoothly.

“A lot of young people aren’t aware of the number of diverse teams that it takes to keep an airport running. From the business side with teams such as Marketing, Legal and Finance to the operational teams such as Engineering, Construction and Airfield Operations, our airport really is like a small town, with all kinds of roles and opportunities available. We really are the airport for everyone, whatever your journey!”

Jacqueline Cave, Skills and Education Specialist, London Gatwick

Inside the World of Work at Gatwick

The work experience explored careers across departments – in engineering, construction, security, communication, retail, ground operations; and flight operations, which included meeting with professionals from easyJet and Emirates. Students even discovered opportunities in biodiversity from the sustainability team and the Sussex Wildlife Trust, who run the Gatwick Greenspace Partnership, as the non-operational land is a protected biodiversity area.

Structured, skills-based sessions led by industry professionals incorporated site-tours, career talks, Q&As, and hands-on activities. As part of these events, young people had a unique opportunity to assist passengers with wayfinding queries and security, visit the Pier 6 extension construction, and explore an aircraft – which many students described as a highlight of the week. Four participants even volunteered to host a panel talk with expert representatives from across departments – a brilliant way to build confidence, ask questions, and explore the breadth of work delivered across an airport.

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“There are diverse roles and opportunities within aviation and you meet and work with so many different colleagues and partners across the airport. Most colleagues who work at London Gatwick will tell you that no two days are ever the same!”

Jacqueline Cave, Skills and Education Specialist

The work experience culminated in group presentations that reflected on learnings from the week, and the skills they developed – from green and STEM skills to communication and team-working. Attendees left the placement with first-hand insights and practical experience of airport and aviation careers, and a better understanding of the industry, including the various pathways into it. Work experience can be a meaningful first step.

“One of last year’s Year 10 work experience students has gained a place on our four-year Engineering apprenticeship and will start working with us in September.”

Jacqueline Cave, Skills and Education Specialist

Student Feedback

Participants rated their work experience as 4.6 out of 5 stars, with 95% feeling confident that they could achieve their career ambitions after taking part in the placement.

“The best thing was learning about the range of jobs available at the airport.”

Student

Everything was incredible and l am confident in my future and future career.”

Student

“The amount of experienced people that are willing to speak to the younger generation was incredible. Learning directly [from] experienced professionals that work at Gatwick showed me what it is really like in the world of work and also put me out of my comfort zone… This really showed me that if you are willing to explore, there are no limits.”

Student

Many attendees also valued the opportunity to meet and work with young people from different schools, which Gatwick intentionally builds into the experience to develop collaborative skills and confidence.

Young people can find more information about careers and education with Gatwick here.

Insights From Employer to Employer

“[Work experience] can broaden understanding and knowledge of your company/organisation/industry and develop your talent pipeline… Using the Futures for All portal has made our application process smoother with motivated students of all abilities applying… The week’s programme enables students to develop their employability skills [so] employers need to offer a range of activities and experiences with clear learning goals, including skills development.”

Jacqueline Cave, Skills and Education Specialist

Discover Work Experience for Yourself

Whether you’re keen to apply for work experience or provide some for young people, head to our Work Experience Finder to get started.

Our Talks Library is also available as a resource of insights into different sectors.