Heathrow has convened the first meeting of its Heathrow Infrastructure Skills Council, bringing unions, colleges and training providers together as the airport prepares a workforce for its proposed expansion. The airport says the opportunities will span engineering, logistics, electrical installation, carpentry and joinery.
The skills drive comes as political support for a third runway remains uncertain. Prime minister Andy Burnham has declined to endorse the scheme, while chancellor John Healey has championed its economic benefits. According to The Sunday Times, Burnham told transport secretary Heidi Alexander he was unconvinced by the project, and he has suggested expansion should be “a matter for London and Londoners”. Healey struck a more supportive tone on Friday, saying: “The case for a third runway at Heathrow has always been a case for growth.”
Jobs and training pledges
Heathrow forecasts at least 17,500 local jobs at peak construction, alongside 33,000 jobs across its nine neighbouring boroughs by 2055. The airport has pledged 5,000 youth apprenticeships, traineeships and other routes into work.
- At least 17,500 local jobs forecast at peak construction
- 33,000 jobs across nine neighbouring boroughs by 2055
- 5,000 youth apprenticeships, traineeships and other routes into work
Heathrow will also play a key role in the new West London Construction Training Excellence Centre, one of 10 being established nationally by the Department for Education. An expanded SME Academy is intended to help smaller firms compete for supply chain work generated by the privately financed project.
The airport plans to launch a refreshed face-to-face work experience programme for local students within the next year, followed by an annual careers event starting in March 2027. The measures form part of its new Economic Development Framework, which sets out how expansion could deliver local and national growth.
Lord Blunkett, co-chair of the Heathrow Infrastructure Skills Council, said: “It is time to lift our eyes to the horizon. To see the potential of expansion, and investment in the big infrastructure programmes of the future, and to put in place the pipeline of education and skills required to meet the challenge.”
Planning timetable slips
The airport still faces a lengthy planning process and has indicated the runway may not open until 2039, four years later than its original target.