Airport Operations Apprentice Review
at Manchester Airport Group
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Customer Service
Manchester
Review Submitted: February 2026
Overall Rating
3.5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
3.2/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
As an airport operations apprentice, we were placed within various operational departments shadowing colleagues in both customer and non-customer facing roles. Our learning was both classroom and on the job.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
It is a fantastic opportunity as an apprentice to learn and shadow whatever departments you were interested in, whilst taking advantage of exclusive opportunities available only to apprentices.
However, some placements within our apprenticeship could have been better organised to allow for more learning to occur.
However, some placements within our apprenticeship could have been better organised to allow for more learning to occur.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I was able to gain a placement within a highly sought after department and develop crucial skills which allowed me to progress into the permanent role I am in today.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Initially it seemed like the first few departments we visited were not organised and the plan for ourselves had been hastily put together. However in our second year under new leadership, our final placements were carefully planned to provide us with the most insights and opportunities to progress.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
2/5
Throughout my apprenticeship we went through various changes in leadership with times where there was no official person in charge of us apprentices.
Our line managers were extremely supportive and genuinely wanted to help where they could. However, it was difficult to contact the learning and development team who ran our apprenticeship.
Our line managers were extremely supportive and genuinely wanted to help where they could. However, it was difficult to contact the learning and development team who ran our apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
My training provider (college) was extremely supportive throughout my apprenticeship and worked hard to prepare us for our final end point assessment and our transition into full time roles.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
Unfortunately I already posses a similar qualification from my time in education prior to this apprenticeship. My previous qualification had provided the classroom based knowledge, with this apprenticeship providing the workplace experience and knowledge.
This was not the original qualification adverted when I applied for the apprenticeship due to a last minute change.
This was not the original qualification adverted when I applied for the apprenticeship due to a last minute change.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
In our organisation we had an Early Talent Network which was the voice for people on apprenticeships, graduate programmes etc within the company. They hosted regular networking events, seminars and social activities which were amazing.
The company also had some internal development opportunities available which you could utilise such as a mentor programme, however you had to find out about these through networking with other individuals.
The company also had some internal development opportunities available which you could utilise such as a mentor programme, however you had to find out about these through networking with other individuals.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Manchester Airport Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a great opportunity for networking and to gain valuable work experience which comes in handy in this industry.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Manchester Airport Group?
I would strongly advise that people talk to other graduates and apprentices for advice before starting an apprenticeship. Find out about what internal development opportunities are available to yourself and take full advantage of these opportunities.
Airfield Operations Apprentice
- Level 3 Apprenticeship
- Manchester Airport (MAN), Manchester M90 1QX, UK
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3.3
