Recognised as the UK’s Most Punctual Airport in 2024 and the UK and Ireland’s Most Convenient Airport, BCA is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Beyond aviation, the airport plays a vital role in community development through its Corporate Responsibility pillars: People, Community, Education, and Environment. Central to its mission is empowering individuals through education, employability, and personal development, with sustainability and responsible business at its core.

What Belfast City Airport did

Belfast City Airport has implemented two flagship education and employability programmes—High Flyers and IGNITE—to inspire young people, promote cross-community engagement, and address barriers to employment.

• High Flyers Apprenticeship Scheme: Launched in 2013, this initiative provides hands-on training and qualifications for young people aspiring to join the Airport Fire Service. The programme focuses on technical skills, safety, leadership, and teamwork, with a strong emphasis on gender diversity in a traditionally male-dominated field.
• IGNITE Youth Leadership Programme: Aimed at 16–18 year olds from diverse educational and community backgrounds, IGNITE offers participants a unique opportunity to gain an NLP Diploma in Personal and Career Development. The programme includes leadership workshops, mentoring, work placements, and emotional intelligence training to build confidence and career readiness.

Both programmes are embedded in BCA’s community strategy and led by senior executives, ensuring alignment with the airport’s long-term goals. They are supported by partnerships with schools, colleges, community groups, and industry bodies, and are evaluated through structured feedback, performance tracking, and stakeholder engagement.

Key Impacts and Outcomes

IGNITE Programme:

• Reached 120 young people from 2019–2024, exceeding its initial five-year target
• 100% of participants reported increased confidence, resilience, and leadership skills
• All graduates earned an NLP Diploma in Personal and Career Development
• Participants secured university placements, work experience in aviation and film, and had creative work showcased in museums
• Over 20 local schools and colleges engaged in the programme
• Programme extended beyond its original term due to success and demand
• Strengthened community cohesion through cross-community engagement and reconciliation

High Flyers Apprenticeship Scheme:

• Maintained a 100% completion rate for apprentices
• 24% of the Airport Fire Service now comprises female firefighters, helping to break gender barriers
• Apprentices gained practical and theoretical skills in aviation firefighting, emergency care, and advanced driving
• Participants received mentorship from experienced staff, supporting long-term career development
• Addressed workforce sustainability by attracting young talent to an ageing sector
• Reinforced BCA’s commitment to inclusivity and local talent development
• Positioned BCA as a leader in responsible business and youth empowerment

What the judges said:

“Belfast City Airport has established two programmes that are a beacon for community relations and reflect the ethos of the business. They’re taking their programmes to scale and their success is demonstrated through 100% retention of people completing the programmes.”

Highly commended in the Skills & Education Award category: First Derivative.