Applications have opened today (10 February) for London Gatwick’s acclaimed apprenticeship programme, giving aspiring engineers the chance to launch their careers in an innovative and fast‑paced airport environment. This year, the airport is recruiting three Electro/Mechanical apprentices and one Heavy Vehicle apprentice, all due to start in August.
Across both pathways, apprentices will work at the heart of the world’s busiest single-runway airport – gaining practical experience on specialist systems, tackling real engineering challenges and learning from experienced teams who drive the airport’s operational excellence.
The Electro/Mechanical apprenticeship is a four‑year programme beginning at Level 3. In years three and four, apprentices progress to a Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in engineering, graduating with both Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications and Engineering Technician (EngTech) professional registration.
The Heavy Vehicle apprenticeship, a three-year programme also beginning at Level 3, leads to professional membership on completion.
Applications are open from 10 February to 2 March via London Gatwick’s apprenticeship webpage. Learn more about these opportunities and how to apply here.
Owen Pugh, third year apprentice, London Gatwick said: “Applying for this apprenticeship was one of the best decisions I have made. At London Gatwick, you gain hands-on experience on a wide range of engineering practices. You get the opportunity to work with many engineering teams such as the airfield lighting team to the specialist systems team. We get the opportunity to study as well as gain experience and knowledge from expert engineers. If you enjoy working practically, problem-solving and working with an amazing team I would highly recommend applying!”
Dave White, Apprentice Development Lead, London Gatwick said: “Opening applications for our apprenticeship programme is always a special moment. London Gatwick is an extraordinary place to learn – no two days are the same and our apprentices work with an impressive range of systems and technology, gaining invaluable experience. “These programmes give people the skills, confidence and professional qualifications to build long‑term engineering careers. We’re passionate about developing future talent and helping people take their first steps into a truly rewarding profession. We can’t wait to welcome the next cohort later this year.”
Alongside welcoming its next cohort, London Gatwick continues to support and inspire future talent across the region. As part of National Apprenticeship Week, colleagues from across London Gatwick will be taking part in a series of outreach activities, from presenting at local schools to an apprenticeship careers broadcast, designed to inspire and educate young people on how to succeed in early careers roles.
The week will also see London Gatwick host its third on‑site Apprenticeship Fair. Building on last year’s success, the event has attracted more than 300 bookings and will welcome over 15 employers from the airport and its partners, including airlines, construction, airport operations, hospitality, retail and transport organisations.
Alongside employer stands, the fair will feature a programme of talks and interactive sessions throughout the day, including presentations from current London Gatwick apprentices and the latest graduate cohort. These sessions will give attendees first‑hand insight into working at a major international airport and the early careers more broadly. |
London Gatwick launches applications for its 2026 engineering apprenticeships as National Apprenticeship Week kicks off
A key component for the prosperity of the Gatwick Diamond region is a strong, skilled workforce. To ensure our local talent pool is perfectly aligned with the needs of our high-growth economy, the Gatwick Diamond Education, Training and Skills Group has been established to drive collaboration and action across the region.
Finance Directors and business owners are invited to attend MHA’s upcoming FD Update Webinar on 18th September 2025, from 8:30AM, providing 3 hours of verifiable CPD. This free event is designed to keep your technical knowledge up to date to help you comply with the ever-changing regulatory environment in the worlds of Financial Reporting and Tax.
The old "hard sell" is out. Today's customers want solutions, not just products. This is where a consultative approach makes all the difference. It's about being a trusted advisor, a true partner in their success. When you help solve their problems, you build lasting relationships, not just one-off transactions.
The CREATE Process: A Framework for Consultative Selling
Ready to transform your sales and become a problem-solver? Here's a six-step framework and process, which we call the CREATE process, to help you on your way.
1. Connecting: Build Real Rapport
First, connect. This initial impression is crucial for building rapport and trust.
Adapt Your Style: Gauge your customer's preferred communication style—are they direct, detail-oriented, or relationship-focused? Adjust your approach accordingly.
Be Genuinely Curious: Ask questions that show a real interest in them. Find common ground. A true connection opens doors.
First Impressions Matter: Be punctual, prepared, and positive. Your enthusiasm sets the tone.
2. Researching: Ask, Listen, Understand
You can't solve a problem you don't fully understand. Ask strategic questions and truly listen.
Ask Probing Questions: Move beyond surface queries. Ask about challenges, goals, and frustrations. "What challenges keeps you up at night?" or "What would your ideal solution look like?"
Active Listening is Key: Focus intently on what they say, and what they don't say. These cues are vital.
Paraphrase and Clarify: Summarize what you've heard: "So, if I'm understanding you correctly, your main pain point is... Is that right?" This confirms understanding and demonstrates you've been listening.
3. Exhibiting: Communicate Your Value
Communicate a value proposition and solution based on their specific needs. Remember: you want to help them, you can help them, and you will help them, but it must be based on "their world."
Problem-Centric Focus: Explain how your solution alleviates their pain and helps them achieve their goals. Use their language.
Highlight Benefits: Instead of focusing on features, explain what the benefit does for them.
Customize Your Proposal: Show how your solution is tailored. Generic pitches fail. Demonstrate you've listened to them.
4. Approving: Overcome Objections and Secure Commitment
Guide them toward a decision. Understand the buyer's profile and view objections as requests for more information.
Align with Their Style: Some buyers need data, others need social proof, others a guarantee. Adapt your approach to help secure a commitment.
Seek Commitment, Not Just the Sale: Propose clear next steps. "Based on our discussion, shall we schedule a review with your team next week?"
Embrace Objections: Don't get defensive. See it as a question: "That's a fair point. Could you tell me more about your concern...?" Then, address it directly.
5. Tending: Cultivate Long-Term Relationships
This step is about cultivating a long-term, sustainable relationship.
Ongoing Value: Continue providing value. Share relevant articles, market insights, or connect them with others in your network.
Strategic Tools: Use CRMs to track interactions and proactively follow up.
Regular Check-ins: Don't just surface for problems or new pitches. Schedule regular check-ins to understand evolving needs.
6. Extending: Leverage for New Opportunities
The final step: leverage relationships to identify new business opportunities. Satisfied customers are your best advocates.
Referrals Are Key: When you've genuinely solved problems, clients will refer you. Make it easy. "Who else might benefit from a solution like this?"
Networking Through Success: Clients open doors. Ask for introductions or permission to use their success story.
Become Part of Their Network: The deeper you're embedded in their success, the more likely you are for future projects or new departments.
Master the Art of Consultative Selling
By embracing these six steps, you're not just selling; you're building trust, communicating real value, and creating a sustainable foundation for business growth.
Our sales training workshops are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring you and your team gain the skills necessary to master this powerful approach. We're here to help you move from pitching to problem-solving.
Are you ready to start solving?
Leading business advisory and accountancy firms Menzies LLP and Beever and Struthers today announced their merger, creating a national firm with a combined fee income of £110 million and a workforce of more than 1,000 professionals.
This strategic union brings together two proudly independent firms with deep roots in their respective markets; Menzies, headquartered in London, and Beever and Struthers in Manchester. Both firms share a commitment to partner-led service, people-first values, and long-term client relationships, making this merger a natural fit in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.
