Boosting skills for Heathrow retailers

A few years ago retailers at Heathrow were struggling to recruit and retain people with the rights skills. With many more retailing jobs soon to be created with the opening of Terminal 5, we knew the challenge would grow. In 2004, we set up the Heathrow Retail Academy to help plug the skills gap and to give local people the chance to start a retail career at the airport.

The Academy is a partnership with our retailers, training and recruitment companies, local charities and Thames Valley University, which offers training programmes and accredited qualifications. Since January 2006 more than 200 current employees and new recruits have gained qualifications through the scheme, including apprenticeships, NVQs and foundation degrees. As well as attracting more employees, the Academy has helped retailers hold on to their staff by giving them opportunities to develop their skills and careers.

We have also helped more than 300 unemployed local residents get retail jobs at Heathrow since 2004, by working with the Heathrow City Partnership, borough councils and Jobcentre Plus.