Gatwick CEO provides online career advice
Gatwick Airports CEO, Stewart Wingate, took part in a Learn Live broadcast with more than 60 schools nationwide to provide advice to students thinking about pursuing a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related career at the airport.
Stewart (above), who is also a chartered engineer, gave insights into his daily duties at Gatwick and his engineering apprenticeship, as well as answering questions on why he wanted to work in the aviation industry, what qualities are required to become a Chief Executive Officer and what he feels apprenticeships bring to the business.
Since launching the Learn Live streaming platform at Gatwick last year – the first UK airport to use the service – more than 30,000 student and teacher views from 500 schools across the country have tuned into the monthly interactive video links, giving students the opportunity to ask questions directly to the airport’s staff.
The broadcasts are recorded so all of the 18 sessions to date can still be watched by students not able to take part in the live sessions.
Learn Live forms part of the Gatwick Community Engagement team’s wider ‘Inform, Inspire, Invest’ education programme, to develop a pipeline of talent and meet the future needs of employment and skills at the airport.
The programme covers the whole spectrum of education years, ranging from sponsorship of STEM subject related events, such as Big Bang, right the way through to offering apprenticeship and graduate roles. Teachers are also able to access a free online resources pack informing them of the variety of roles for young people the airport can offer.
Stewart Wingate, Gatwick Airport’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am pleased to have participated in a Learn Live broadcast and enjoyed sharing experiences that have shaped my career to help inspire future generations.
“It is important we continue to work closely with our local communities to showcase the diversity of STEM career opportunities available at Gatwick, as we want to be at the forefront of inspiring young people to join us and be part of our continuing future growth and success.”
Stuart Heaton, Managing Director of Learn Live, said: “We were delighted to interview Stewart Wingate, CEO at Gatwick Airport on the Learn Live channel and to find out more about his career in engineering and why apprentices are important to his business.
“It is vital for companies like Gatwick to engage in their local community to help inspire the future workforce to consider a career in the STEM industries and we are proud to help them do this via the Learn Live channel.”