Heathrow has convened the first meeting of its Heathrow Infrastructure Skills Council as it gears up to train the workforce needed for its planned expansion, forecasting at least 17,500 local jobs at peak construction and setting out a series of training commitments.
The airport said the roles will span engineering, logistics, electrical installation, carpentry and joinery.
Heathrow said the council is intended to bring unions, colleges and training providers together to prepare workers for the build, and that the commitments form part of its new Economic Development Framework for local and national growth.
The jobs push comes amid fresh uncertainty over political backing for expansion. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declined to endorse the scheme, while Chancellor John Healey has championed its economic benefits.
Training and job commitments
Heathrow's forecasts and pledges include:
- At least 17,500 local jobs at peak construction, alongside 33,000 jobs across its nine neighbouring boroughs by 2055.
- 5,000 youth apprenticeships, traineeships and other routes into work.
- 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 to help smaller firms compete for supply chain work generated by the privately financed project.
Heathrow will also 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 project is privately financed, and Heathrow said the expanded SME Academy would help smaller firms compete for the supply chain work it generates.
Political momentum in question
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.”
But the airport faces a battle to maintain political momentum. Burnham has suggested expansion should be “a matter for London and Londoners”. The Sunday Times has also reported that he told Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander he was unconvinced by the project.
Healey struck a more supportive tone on Friday, saying: “The case for a third runway at Heathrow has always been a case for growth.”
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. The training pledges are being set out before any final planning consent is secured.