Heathrow has convened the first meeting of its new Infrastructure Skills Council, bringing unions, colleges and training providers together to prepare workers for the airport's expansion programme, even as political backing for a third runway remains uncertain.
The airport says the expansion will generate opportunities spanning engineering, logistics, electrical installation, carpentry and joinery. The council is intended to align the organisations that train and supply that workforce with the requirements of the build.
Jobs and training commitments
Heathrow forecasts at least 17,500 local jobs at peak construction, alongside 33,000 jobs across its nine neighbouring boroughs by 2055. The airport has pledged 5,000 youth apprenticeships, traineeships and other routes into work.
It will also play a key role in the new West London Construction Training Excellence Centre, one of 10 being established nationally by the Department for Education. An expanded SME Academy is meant to help smaller firms compete for supply chain work generated by the privately financed project.
- At least 17,500 local jobs at peak construction
- 33,000 jobs across the nine neighbouring boroughs by 2055
- 5,000 youth apprenticeships, traineeships and other routes into work
- A refreshed face-to-face work experience programme for local students within the next year
- An annual careers event beginning in March 2027
The measures form part of Heathrow's new Economic Development Framework, which sets out how expansion could deliver local and national growth.
Because the project is privately financed, much of the construction work will be let through supply chain contracts, and the airport said the expanded SME Academy is one route for smaller firms to compete for that work.
Lord Blunkett, co-chair of the Heathrow Infrastructure Skills Council, said it was time to lift "our eyes to the horizon" — to see the potential of expansion and of investment in the big infrastructure programmes of the future, and to put in place the pipeline of education and skills required to meet the challenge.
Political uncertainty over the runway
The jobs push comes amid fresh doubt over political backing. Prime minister Andy Burnham has declined to endorse the scheme, suggesting expansion should be "a matter for London and Londoners". The Sunday Times has also reported that he told transport secretary Heidi Alexander he was unconvinced by the project.
Chancellor John Healey struck a more supportive tone on Friday, saying: "The case for a third runway at Heathrow has always been a case for growth."
The airport still faces a lengthy planning process and has indicated the runway may not open until 2039, four years later than its original target.