Trafford & Stockport College Group (TSCG) and Manchester Airports Group (MAG) have introduced an enhanced Aviation Operations programme with MAG endorsement, employer-led activity and hands-on work placements. The programme gives learners a behind-the-scenes view of airport operations and routes into careers at Manchester Airport and across the wider aviation sector.

Available from Level 1 to Level 3, the course prepares learners for careers in airport operations, air traffic control, cargo and dispatch, and management. It is delivered through the Manchester Airport Skills Hub partnership as part of the newly launched Airport Futures initiative, which aims to engage at least 150 young people in 2026/27 across aviation, engineering, digital, hospitality and other curriculum areas.

TSCG, headquartered in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, operates from five campuses, serves over 13,000 students and has an annual turnover of around £60 million. MAG, the UK’s largest airport group and operator of Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports, reported revenue of £1.5 billion and adjusted EBITDA of £614.4 million for the year to 31 March 2026.

The structural driver is MAG’s five-year sustainability strategy, which aims to build an industry-led talent pipeline for aviation in the North, including bringing more than 12,000 local school pupils to the airport’s AeroZone education centre over the reporting period.

MAG’s annual Sustainability Report, published on the same day, says the group supported more than 6,000 young people with their education in FY26.

Tracey Wood, chief commercial officer at TSCG, said the college is creating programmes “designed with employers, for employers” to connect learners with industry expertise, hands-on experience and clear routes into employment.

MAG chief executive Ken O’Toole said the programme shows how the group works with education partners to create “clear pathways into employment,” adding that young people need to see aviation’s opportunities from an early age.

The enhanced programme was showcased at an event at the college attended by industry leaders, partners, staff and students.

For the sector, the programme confirms that airport operators are embedding employer input in college curricula to build aviation talent pipelines earlier.

Source: marketingstockport.co.uk / tscg.ac.uk / mediacentre.magairports.com