Heathrow jobs and careers fair-2019

On 28 February 2019, Heathrow hosted its 12th annual Jobs and Careers Fair in Terminal 5, with over 5,600 attendees.

With over 76,000 people employed at Heathrow across over 400 different companies, this year’s Jobs and Careers Fair once again displayed the diverse range of opportunities on offer to local people searching for a career or new beginnings. Over 5,600 people poured through the doors at this year’s event.

If you missed it, don’t worry, you can explore Heathrow careers to find out about the jobs on offer or heathrowacademy.co.uk to see the range of apprenticeships and opportunities available.

Meet Samantha and Ella, two success stories from the Jobs and Careers Fairs

We caught up with Samantha and Ella about how attending the Jobs and Careers Fair has led, in one case, to an apprenticeship at British Airways, and in another a career change from architect to Integration Manager.

Tell us about yourself!

Ella: I’m 19 years old and I live in Lower Sunbury in Spelthorne.

Samantha: I’m 34 years old and live in Ashford, also in Spelthorne.

How did you find out about your current job? 

Ella: It was through the Heathrow Jobs and Careers Fair when I was in year 11 at school. I had no idea what I wanted to do so I thought it was best to explore many different options (apprenticeships as well as university). There were so many stalls at the Fair offering lots of different careers from hospitality to retail to aviation and the police.

Samantha: I visited the Heathrow Jobs and Careers Fair in February 2014. I had been working for the past 8 years as an Architectural Assistant since graduating with a degree in Architecture. I was seeking to change my career and looking for opportunities in the construction industry based in or around Heathrow.

It was a really big decision to change my career but I wanted to make a fresh start and to challenge my boundaries. I talked to lots of different companies about their opportunities but when I reached the Dyer & Butler stand they were particularly warm and welcoming. The staff suggested that the company may be open minded to considering candidates with different experiences and after a couple of interviews I got the job!

What skills has your current job taught you?

Ella: A number of things – persuasive communication, negotiation, being an effective team member, having the ability to deliver under pressure, the list could go on.

Samantha: I manage an ever growing team which is developing my leadership and managerial skills. I have also gained a better understanding of the industry and I represent our department to key stakeholders which has enhanced my self-confidence.

What difference did going to the Jobs and Careers Fair make to you?

Ella: The Careers Fair made a huge difference to me. It’s always a big decision having to decide what you want to do when you leave school or college but I’m so glad I chose to join the world of work at British Airways by learning on the job and working towards a qualification.

Samantha: It changed my life. I found the whole experience very inspiring. It was the stepping stone to finding a career that I really enjoy and value and I have not looked back!

For more information on Careers at Heathrow, visit Heathrow careers

Check out the latest Heathrow News Spring Edition here.