Eleven-year-old boy completes work experience at London Luton Airport

Seth Drinkell work experience at London Luton Airport. Credit: London Luton Airport.

London Luton Airport’s Responsibility Business Strategy contains methods of attracting entry level talent and inspire younger generations into the aviation industry. One of the opportunities they have provided was to give a chance to one lucky airport-mad schoolboy, 11-year-old Seth Drinkell from Watford, who got the chance for airport work experience. Nick Jones, HR Director at London Luton Airport, spoke about the programme stating: “We are committed to investing in our future workforce, and have joined forces with a number of local schools and colleges to deliver career and skills development workshops. This year, hundreds of students have taken part with LLA staff providing valuable career insights and advice.”  

What activities did Seth get up to?

During his whistle-stop tour, Seth got stuck into various roles around the airport. This included work at the air traffic control tower, the airport fire services, ground handlers and customer service.

See him in action in the video below:

Speaking about his time at the airport, Seth commented: “I had a great time learning all about London Luton Airport. There are so many people that work here with very important jobs to do. The best bits were plane spotting in the air traffic control tower and getting dressed like a Firefighter. I can’t wait to work at LLA when I’m older.” 

Why are LLA doing this?

LLA sustainability plans encompass the ability to facilitate talent, as it states in its 2023 report:

“Together with our community team, we support school partnerships and local employment initiatives that are strategically aligned with the wider business skills and employment needs of LLA, and closely aligned to Luton Council’s 2040 vision and strategy. We want to showcase opportunities in aviation and build a talent pipeline within the region.

We are also enhancing early careers and opportunities through locally targeted recruitment, partnerships with local educational establishments, apprenticeships and graduate schemes. A Resourcing Manager is joining the team in 2024, with a focus on early careers for local people”.