Charlotte Theobalds was one of 11 young people and adults qualifying as Electrical Engineers at Uxbridge College who have been recruited to work on Heathrow's new Terminal 2.A group of engineering students from Uxbridge College have landed jobs at Heathrow Airport under a scheme run with partners including BAA and Hillingdon Council.

The 11 successful candidates will be taking up posts at the end of their electrical engineering courses with the international construction firm Laing O’Rourke, and will be working on the airport's new Terminal 2.

The engineers, who qualified on City & Guilds 2330 Level 3 in Electrotechnical Technology at Uxbridge College, were employed through the Heathrow Construction Academy, a pilot project led by BAA working with a range of organisations to provide employment and training opportunities at the airport.  Partners include Uxbridge College and Hillingdon Council.

Charlotte Theobalds (26), who achieved her qualification at Uxbridge College, and will be working as an Electrical Improver, said: “When I enrolled at Uxbridge College I didn’t expect to come out with a job as well as a qualification.  I was over the moon when I heard I‘d got the job with Laing O’Rourke – it’s brilliant.  It’s a long term position which is hard to find at the moment, so I’m really pleased.  I’m going to miss everyone at College.  I‘ve enjoyed it so much, the teachers are really good and they supported me throughout.”

Harpal Lehal, Head of Employer Services at Uxbridge College, said: “Uxbridge College’s recent work with Hillingdon Council and Heathrow on this project has been a terrific success.  As a result of it, 11 learners who’ve gained excellent work skills and qualifications at college have been recruited by Laing O'Rourke through the Heathrow Construction Academy.  It really goes to show that vocational training not only provides a route to a recognised qualification, but is a great way to get a job even during tough times.”

Councillor Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Improvements, Partnerships and Community Safety, said: “As a council we are doing what we can to help our residents find work at this difficult time, this is part of our promise to put you first.  We have a number of other projects in the pipeline that will continue to help you get back into employment.  By working with our partners, we can offer them the workforce they need and improve prospects for our residents.”

Hillingdon Council has been working to create a range of opportunities for employment and training for borough residents, and as part of this, a scheme run with Jobcentre Plus also resulted in 54 unemployed Hillingdon residents getting jobs at the new Tesco store in Yiewsley.