Caroline Flint impressed by Airport Job Agency

29 November 2004

Caroline Flint has praised Directions Finningley, the new employment and training partnership at Robin Hood Airport.

Said Caroline: "Directions Finningley have a really professional set-up on site at Robin Hood Airport. You could not fail to be impressed.

"The partnership includes a state of the art Job Centre Plus office, staff from Doncaster & North Notts colleges co-ordinating training courses in modern facilities, all backed up by professional career advisors.

"When the airport was proposed, I was not alone in wanting an employment plan to ensure local people get every opportunity to access the many jobs that will develop at the airport. Directions Finningley are delivering, in a professional manner, the plan local people need. This is a five-star service."

During her visit to the partnership, which is headed by the regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward, Ms Flint used one of the interactive "jobpoints" to find details of possible jobs on site.

"You only have to visit Directions to feel the excitement. The first dozen places on an aircraft engineering apprenticeship received 750 applicants."

The MP heard of plans for the recruitment of 150 staff by Thomsonfly, including cabin crew, to service their aircraft to be based at Robin Hood Airport.

Directions Finningley have already identified 36 different jobs for which training will have to be provided and over 40 new qualifications that will be offered.

Top picture shows: Caroline Flint trying one of the new jobpoints, assisted by Shirley Higham.

Bottom group picture shows: Caroline with jobcentre plus staff. Left to right Gill Fletcher (background), Sue Davies, Caroline Flint, Shirley Higham and Linda Barron.