A North East airport has welcomed students from across the region to learn more about career opportunities and witness the airport’s transformation.

Students from Teesside University, Stockton Riverside College, and Hartlepool College were welcomed to Teesside Airport on Wednesday (January 18) to find out about career opportunities in aviation and take in the airport's transformation.

Teesside Airport said the day, which ran as part of Teesside University’s inaugural Aviation Conference, served as both an outlet to discuss key issues faced by the industry, as well as a way of inspiring young people to consider a career in aviation.

Phil Forster, Teesside Airport's managing director, outlined the airport's future ambitions and spoke of its goal to expand the industry.

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He said: “Our airport has been on a huge journey over the past three years, achieving a massive amount even in the face of a global pandemic.

"Now we’re developing our cargo offering and working with the businesses based here to create jobs for the next generation of aviation workers.

“We’re also looking to the industries of tomorrow and tying into the region’s low carbon ambitions with schemes to make our airport net zero.

"We’re working alongside firms developing sustainable aviation fuel – critical to the future of the sector – as well as obviously growing our routes and passenger numbers.

"We were delighted to welcome the students to give them a snapshot of the opportunities available in the sector.”

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The event was attended by undergraduate and postgraduate students from the university, as well as college students.

Students were given a tour of the terminal’s revamped facilities as well as its new fully accredited cargo facility, which handled its first export in December last year and is expected to create up to 30 jobs.

The students also had the opportunity to meet representatives from aviation companies, Willis Aviation Services Limited and Draken Europe.

Willis, which has been based at the airport since 2020, recently officially submitted plans for its £25million maintenance facility and state-of-the-art Jet Centre which could create as many as 200 jobs.

Following the completion of its second hangar, Draken has seen its fleet based at Teesside almost double, thanks to winning a new contract with the Ministry of Defence.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Our holidaymakers, business travellers and inward investors know the benefits having a quality local airport brings.

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"As we expand the site with our Southside Business Park and boost our cargo facilities, our offer is  only going to get stronger.

“But to keep our momentum going, we need a strong, talented workforce for years to come, ready, willing and able to fill the roles being created by firms like Willis, Draken and more.

“This event has helped us show our young people that they can stay local but go far and secure a brilliant career in aviation – whether that’s at a front-facing customer level, in our operations, or at one of the brilliant businesses based on our doorstep.”