East Midlands Airport’s education centre re-opens for in-person visits
East Midlands Airport (EMA) has welcomed students back to the Aerozone, its on-site education centre.
The eight students, aged 16-18, from Long Eaton and Ilkeston adult education centres, were the first to use the Aerozone since the pandemic brought a halt to in-person education engagement on site. The Aerozone and East Minilands (a fun and interactive role play space for young people), had to close during the pandemic. Much of the airport’s education and training outreach work has been done online for the past 18 month.
This week’s Aerozone students were part of Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service’s study programme, which is tailored to those whose education has been disrupted and need extra support. All study Maths & English GCSEs as well as an employability and customer service course.
During their time at the airport, the students had an opportunity to meet the EMA Managing Director, Clare James, found out more about the airport’s operation and learned about the different types of jobs that are required to run a 24/7 operation, as well as participating in customer service role play in the East Minilands.
The Aerozone has resumed a full programme of opportunities for school and community groups who wish to immerse themselves in the airport experience and find out what happens behind the scenes.
In addition to hosting the first Aerozone visit, the EMA’s education outreach team have been attending careers events in the region this week including the Castle Donington College careers fair and an event at Heanor Gate Spencer Academy.
Joanna Wood, EMA’s education coordinator, says: “It was a pleasure to welcome students back into our Aerozone. While we’ve managed to continue with some of our outreach work during the pandemic, nothing beats meeting students in person and showing them around the airport which is a genuinely fascinating place. I’m looking forward to engaging with more young people in the coming weeks and months to educate them about careers opportunities in the aviation sector and about the important role this airport plays in the local economy.”