Belfast City Airport has welcomed six new apprentices to its High Flyers Apprenticeship Programme, exemplifying its commitment to investing in the future workforce of aviation.
Due to its continued success, the programme was expanded in 2025 to include an IT apprenticeship for the first time, alongside five new roles within the Airport’s Fire and Rescue Service.
The successful apprentices, Daniel Burke, Liam Cunning, Daniel Fusco, Jordan McDowell, Ethan McKee, and Paul McNally, are gaining valuable hands-on experience within the airport’s highly skilled firefighting and IT departments while working towards industry-recognised qualifications.
Aileen O’Kane, Head of People and Purpose at Belfast City Airport, said:
“At Belfast City Airport, our people are at the heart of everything we do, and the High Flyers Apprenticeship Programme reflects our commitment to fostering a positive work environment where individuals can succeed.
“The programme plays an important role in building a skilled workforce, creating new pathways for young people to develop specialist, future-focused skills while supporting the airport’s long-term growth.
“Each apprentice has shown strong commitment and potential, and we’re confident they’ll continue to excel in the aviation industry.”
Now in its 12th year, the High Flyers Apprenticeship Programme was established to tackle youth unemployment in Northern Ireland while developing a pipeline of highly trained personnel for the aviation sector.
Since its launch, the programme has gone from strength to strength, with a 100% success rate of apprentices progressing into full-time, permanent roles.
Apprentice Firefighter, Daniel Fusco, said:
“The High Flyers Programme has given me the chance to learn directly from experienced firefighters while gaining hands-on experience in a real operational environment. It’s been a great start to building a long-term career at Belfast City Airport.”
Jordan McDowell, Apprentice IT Engineer, added:
“The High Flyers Apprenticeship offers hands-on experience you simply can’t get anywhere else. I’m excited to be part of the team and to develop the skills needed to work in such a unique environment.”
To find out more about Belfast City Airport’s High Flyers Apprenticeship Programme, visit belfastcityairport.com.