London City Airport Celebrates a Dragon Award

London City Airport was honoured with the prestigious Lord Mayor’s Dragon Award, this past Wednesday evening, at the Dragon Awards celebration dinner, held at The Mansion House.  The Lord Mayor’s Dragon Award recognises the Airport’s significant contribution and commitment to the economic Regeneration of London through its Take Off into Work Programme (TOIW).

The TOIW programme, delivered in partnership with the Airport’s onsite companies, Newham Workplace and East London Business Alliance, targets local unemployed residents and provides applicants with an opportunity to access jobs and careers at the Airport.  The curriculum mentors and develops candidates through airport-specific employability training workshops, followed by a work placement and job interview.

The programme coordinated by the Airport’s Community Relations Team, has employed 121 individuals in a wide range of fulfilling jobs, with 78% of candidates previously unemployed for 6 months or longer.

Accepting the award on behalf of London City Airport, Elizabeth Hegarty Community Relations Manager commented: “ This recognition by the Lord Mayor is a significant milestone for the team at London City Airport and we are delighted to shine amongst the largest multi-national companies . We are delighted to receive this prestigious award for our corporate community involvement and we will continue to strive to engage the community, providing local unemployed residents an opportunity to return to work.”

Richard Gooding OBE, Chief Executive of London City Airport commented: “There is no greater praise the Airport could receive for our strong commitment to the community. Our mandate is to ensure local residents benefit from the success of the Airport and to continue to champion local recruitment. “

London City Airport also received a Corporate Social Responsibility Award from the Docklands Business Club and East London Chamber of Commerce.  Take Off Into Work also earned London City Airport the Employment Champion of the year Award from the East London Business Alliance.

Candidates interested in the Take Off Into Work programme should contact Newham Workplace on 020 8430 4331.