The construction and operation of a second runway at London Gatwick Airport would generate around 28,000 new jobs, according to the latest report published by engineering company Arup.
The firmâs research looked at the existing job range at London Gatwick and considered which further jobs and skills would be needed in order to supplement growth at the airport, both as part of its existing investment plans and if the government were to approve the construction of a second runway.
Along with directly supporting the 28,000 new jobs, the report also estimates that the expansion would stimulate 120,000 new jobs throughout the UK.
The study revealed that London Gatwick already directly supports more than 20,000 jobs and 10,000 more indirectly and that the airport is a catalyst for wage increases throughout the local economy.
48% of staff at the airport are currently employed by airlines or their handling agents, with the biggest single proportion working as cabin crew (21%).
At present, the majority of employees at Gatwick work full time, with 84% of these working shifts.
After the announcement, the airport has since revealed a new partnership with thee leading universities to establish a graduate engineering scheme.
The universities involved with the programme will be Imperial College London, University College London and the University of Brighton and will see three engineering graduates join Gatwickâs engineering team every year.
This new scheme will complement the airportâs existing apprentice engineer programme, which has now been in operation for the last 40 years.
London Gatwick has also made a pledge to stimulate opportunities in the future if it expands, with the establishment of a £3.75 million apprenticeship fund to create 2,500 new job opportunities for young people.
To cover the start-up costs of each new apprenticeship, grants of £1,500 will be provided, while Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate said that the second runway will provide thousands of jobs for the South East.
