Karen Spencer, Principal and Gareth Powell, MD of London Stansted Airport, with student award winners

Stansted Airport College celebrated the achievements of its trainees at its annual Student Celebration Awards on 10 June, recognising outstanding achievement, dedication and commitment among its students.

The college, a partnership between London Stansted Airport and Harlow College, is the first airport-based college of its kind in the UK. Since opening in September 2018, it has offered specialist courses in Aviation, Cabin Crew, Logistics, Travel and Tourism, Events Management, Engineering and Aircraft Maintenance to over 2,500 students

The awards brought together students, families and employers from across the aviation industry. Guests included representatives from Titan Airways, Aerospace Experience, Novotel, STS Engine Services, ACS Aviation, Ryanair, IMT Aviation, Lux Aviation and Manchester Airports Group (MAG), the owners of London Stansted Airport.

The event was opened by Gareth Powell, Managing Director of London Stansted Airport, who also presented the first Trainee of the Year award.

“We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Stansted Airport College and of the dedication and talent shown by its students. As London Stansted grows from 30 million to 51 million passengers over the coming years, supported by investment in new facilities and infrastructure, we will create significant new employment opportunities across aviation, engineering, hospitality, customer service and many other sectors.

“Our ambition is not only to grow the airport, but also to support the expansion of the college, potentially doubling its capacity, so that more young people can access the skills, training and careers that our industry needs. Working alongside the college, government, local partners and the aviation sector, we want to ensure the next generation can benefit from these opportunities.

“Tonight's award winners should be immensely proud of their achievements. They represent the dedication, passion and commitment that employers are looking for, and many former trainees are already building successful careers across Stansted Airport and our partner organisations.”

Among the evening’s top honours, former trainee Prakash Vadgama received the Stansted Academy Student of the Year Award, while Level 3 Engineering Apprentice Charlotte Rivoire was presented with the Governor’s Award.

Awards were also presented to trainees who completed the Pilot Enrichment Programme, delivered in partnership with MAG and Essex County Council. The programme includes 33 weeks of immersive learning with CAA-approved Professional Knowledge Instructors, alongside pilot simulator training and an airport visit.

Karen Spencer, Principal and Chief Executive of Stansted Airport College, said: “We are incredibly proud of all of our trainees across Stansted Airport College and Stansted Academy, and everything they have achieved. One of the things I love most about being here is that we are right in the heart of the airport, surrounded by the industries our learners aspire to join.

“Our trainees can genuinely see their futures from here. Whether they are progressing into engineering apprenticeships, cabin crew roles, aviation operations or a wide range of other careers across the airport, they are taking their next steps into exciting opportunities.

“None of this is possible without the support of Manchester Airports Group through London Stansted Airport and the amazing employers who support them on their journeys.”