Inspiring Future Talent: Crawley College Students Get an Inside Look at Airport Operations

Date:

May-23-2025

Read Time:

3 mins

Hero Image

Crawley College Students Get an Inside Look at Airport Operations

The world of aviation is a dynamic and captivating place, far more than just planes taking off and landing. It’s a complex ecosystem powered by a vast array of skilled professionals, from engineers and ground staff to security personnel and customer service teams. At Optime, as experts in supplying skilled personnel to this key industry with our comprehensive recruitment and background check services, we firmly believe in nurturing the talent that will drive it forward.

That’s why we were incredibly pleased to support a recent visit by students from Crawley College to Gatwick Airport. This immersive experience offered these young individuals a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the complex operations of a major airport, providing invaluable insights into potential future careers.

Optime and Crawley Collage logos

An Unforgettable Visit: Exploring Airport Operations Up Close

For these Travel and Tourism students from Crawley College, this focused visit offered a highly relevant experience, perfectly aligned with their course and interests. They delved into the public side of operations, gaining valuable insights into the customer-facing aspects of a major airport. The students explored both the North and South Terminals, observing vital ground handling operations up close, and gaining key insights directly from DHL personnel.

This deep dive went beyond the surface, offering a comprehensive understanding of the vast array of different roles that contribute to an airport’s seamless function. From logistics and security to check-in services and PRM (Persons with Reduced Mobility) support, the visit highlighted how various teams work seamlessly together. We also covered the significant impact these roles have on local jobs and the broader UK economy, underscoring the vital contribution of the aviation sector.

Crawley College Students Get an Inside Look at Airport Operations

Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals

The feedback from the Crawley College students was very positive, with the visit helping them broaden their understanding of aviation and even support their career interests. Seeing theory come to life within a busy operational setting is invaluable.

For the aviation industry itself, initiatives like this are fantastic. They help to explain different complex roles, showcase the rewarding nature of the work, and attract fresh perspectives and diverse talent. It’s a proactive step towards building a resilient and dynamic workforce for years to come.

Partnering for a Brighter Future

The recent Crawley College airport visit was a resounding success, creating invaluable learning experiences for these students.

Optime is deeply committed to initiatives like this, and we hope to establish these airport visits as a regular programme with Crawley College, and expand them to airports across the country, further strengthening the vital link between education and real-world industry. We look forward to doing even more in the future.

Author

Andy Frith