Heathrow is preparing the workforce for its proposed expansion, convening the first meeting of a new Heathrow Infrastructure Skills Council and setting out training commitments tied to the programme. The airport says opportunities would span engineering, logistics, electrical installation, carpentry and joinery.
The council brings together unions, colleges and training providers to prepare workers for the build. Heathrow forecasts at least 17,500 local jobs at peak construction. It also forecasts 33,000 jobs across its nine neighbouring boroughs by 2055.
As part of the skills push, the airport has pledged 5,000 youth apprenticeships, traineeships and other routes into work. It will also play 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 is intended to help smaller firms compete for supply chain work generated by the privately financed project.
Heathrow plans to 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 measures form part of its new Economic Development Framework, which sets out how expansion could deliver local and national growth.
Lord Blunkett, co-chair of the Heathrow Infrastructure Skills Council, said it was time to look to the horizon, recognise the potential of expansion and investment in major future infrastructure programmes, and put in place the education and skills pipeline needed to meet the challenge.
The jobs announcement comes amid fresh uncertainty over political backing. Prime minister Andy Burnham has declined to endorse the scheme, while chancellor John Healey has championed its economic benefits. 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.” His comment underscores the divide within government over a project that Heathrow presents as a driver of jobs and growth. The airport faces a battle to maintain political momentum for the project as it prepares its workforce plans.
Even with the skills preparations, the airport still faces a lengthy planning process. Heathrow has indicated that the runway may not open until 2039, four years later than its original target. That timetable means the training commitments are being developed well before construction can begin, and political support remains a critical variable. Its planning timetable extends well beyond the current political debate.