31 January 2025
On Tuesday 28 January, Gatwick Airport’s Security and Safety team visited East Surrey College students to give them an understanding of the operations and behind the scenes workings of an international airport.
Andrew Murray, Security Regulation Manager at Gatwick ran the presentation and highlighted how there are a vast array of stakeholders and key players that ensure the safe day-to-day operations, including Border Force, Counter Terrorism Policing and security services. Increasing passenger numbers is a key aim for Gatwick, with the hope of 6 million more by 2027. The airport also hopes expansion of the northern taxiway into a runway will help to create 14,000 new jobs, providing an excellent opportunity for Aviation and Public Services students to progress into a career in the sector.
Andrew went on to talk about the employment opportunities at the airport, which included roles in passenger screening, airside and landside patrol, air traffic control and customer security. Apprenticeships were also covered, with roles available for college leavers in Mechanical and Transport Engineering, Information Technology and Cyber Security.
Nigel Tostevin, lecturer of Travel & Tourism at East Surrey College highlighted the importance of the visit for students saying,
‘The presentation provided a great insight into the behind-the-scenes operations of an international airport and the associated security risks; it was a great opportunity for students to consider alternative careers and apprenticeship options in the aviation sector, ones that they may not have considered before.’
After the presentation, a short Q&A session allowed students to ask Andrew directly about the security and safety operations at Gatwick and to discuss further about career options. If you attended, we hope you found the talk informative and would like to extend our thanks to Andrew for taking the time to speak with our students.
Click here to learn more about Aviation at East Surrey College.
