Volunteering, Manchester Airport

[parislad]

Hi, first post but hope you can help me.
I'm 17 and applied for the GAPAN ppl scholarship this year, got down to the last 50. I think my application was missing aviation-related material in terms of what I've done, which made me think that volunteering somewhere for a few days over the summer would be a good thing to do.
I live minutes from Manchester Airport and a 20 min drive from Barton, and am trying to find out if there's anywhere I could try (at Manchester in particular). Can anyone think of a good place, eg a flying school which might let me get some work experience there, on a casual or otherwise basis?
I've already emailed LAC at Barton but they said they don't take work experience seekers on, as there's not much for them to do.
I suppose even something like hanging around in the tower would be ok.
Thanks for your help, please give me your thoughts

[sigleave]

same situation as you, i was looking for some work experience to put on cv,i went round Barton for the day gave out loads of cards, spoke to lots of people but in the end didn't get anywhere. Also my dad is police at Manchester airport and has tried to get me something there but to get anything to do with or anything near aviation there you need to be 18 to get air side. Not meaning to be negative at all and would definately try your self but wouldn't get your hopes up. Still trying myself and if i get anywhere will let you know. Good luck. Si

[GeorgEGNT]

Why not try your local flying clubs? You have a much bigger chance of finding some voluntary work there than at the airports. It would cost an airport so much money and it would take so long to process. Either get you security cleared and get you a pass, or give you a temporary pass meaning a member of staff would have to escort you everywhere. Its just not too realistic.
Like I said, flying club. :ok: I have done at mine in the past. Anything from scrubbing planes down to preparing gift vouchers for trial/ pleasure flights.

[1013 with altsel]

Try Ravenair at Liverpool Airport, only 20mins from Manchester airport. They are always very helpful in getting people started in some way! And they like free help!

[thetimesreader84]

It is very difficult (but not impossible) to get work experience at major airports for the simple fact that the relevant security clearences would take longer to process than the duration of the works experience itself, and most temporary passes can be issued for only 5 days maximum, and need a full pass holder to act as an escort all the time, then it is quite simply not worth the time and hassle for the airport authorities, or an airside company to pursue it.

Although flying clubs have been mentioned, and can be great fun to work at, why not think outside the box a little? there are many small companies that carry out contract engineering work for major airlines and aircraft manufacturers. Airline HQs aren't always airside either, and could be a possible avenue.

Good Luck! :ok:

[adverse-bump]

Ravenair are also at barton, not just liverpool. and will have many more opportunities than LAC as also have all the maintaince there.

it would be better to walk in and ask face to face than just phone up. pitch up there at the flying school and ask to speak to martin hatton - he is a very approachable guy.

they have taken on people like you before, if you walk in and offer to clean the planes for free then they'll probably say yes!

[Squadgy]

Hi

Work experience at Barton is offered by the airfield operator, City Airport Ltd

Full details including how to apply are here:

http://www.cityairportmanchester.com/facilities/index.asp?id=10