College News

4th January 2012

College congratulates airport staff achievements

Employees of Birmingham Airport were recently congratulated by the Principal of Solihull College in an event that celebrated their personal development achievements.

Held in the Birmingham Airport Skills Academy (BASA) – a training facility for employees of Birmingham Airport and its onsite companies, as well as other local organisations – the event recognised the achievements of all employees who have recently completed training courses with the College.

The personal development opportunities available through the BASA range from learning a new language, building IT, English and Maths skills, as well as a wide range of management development programmes accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM). Each course is designed to help employees enhance both their personal and professional development.

Solihull College Principal Brenda Sheils, who was guest speaker at the event, comments: “We are delighted to have a continued partnership with Birmingham Airport, supporting its employees through various training programmes. It was a real pleasure to be invited to the celebration event and congratulate each learner for their outstanding achievements.”

Each employee was presented with a Certificate of Achievement from Airport Chief Executive Paul Kehoe, with two employees – Paul Bowen and Kyle Jones – also commended with special awards.

Paul received the Onsite Learner of the Year Award for completing the Work Skills Award, which includes Health and Safety, Welcome Host, Manual Handling, First Aid and ICT training. Having been out of work for several months Paul commenced the Airport’s Jobjunction Project to help boost his confidence and develop his IT, numeracy and literacy skills. On completion of the project Paul successfully secured employment with OCS – a service for people with reduced mobility – and is now a valued member of the team.

Paul Kehoe, Birmingham Airport CEO, comments: “This ceremony once again highlights the hard work of staff from around the Airport site in gaining new skills and qualifications. The relationship we have with Solihull College continues to go from strength-to-strength and I was delighted to be able to congratulate all those collecting an award.”

Solihull College has been working in partnership with Birmingham Airport for almost 10 years, providing various training programmes to both Airport employees and its onsite companies. The BASA has been running successfully since April 2010, bringing a multitude of benefits to the many businesses that occupy the Airport.