Five apprentices from Belfast City Airport’s High Flyers Apprenticeship Programme have formally completed their training, celebrated at an official passing out ceremony held at the airport. The event included a live fire tackling drill, allowing apprentices to demonstrate the operational skills they have developed over the past year.
Daniel Burke, Liam Cunning, Daniel Fusco, Ethan McKee and Paul McNally joined the programme in 2025, undertaking rigorous training that blended academic study with hands on experience across airport operations.
Aileen O’Kane, head of people and purpose at Belfast City Airport, praised the cohort’s achievement: “All five apprentices have shown exceptional commitment, professionalism and teamwork throughout their training, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements at today’s passing out ceremony. The High Flyers Apprenticeship Programme plays an important role in developing future talent at Belfast City Airport and creating meaningful long term career opportunities for people across Northern Ireland.”
The programme has maintained a 100% success rate, with every apprentice progressing into a full time permanent role at the airport. Reflecting its continued growth, an IT Engineer apprenticeship was added last year.
Apprentices described the programme as both challenging and rewarding. Liam Cunning said the ceremony marked “a fantastic moment and a real reflection of all the hard work that went into the programme,” while Daniel Fusco highlighted the “incredible experience, support and opportunities” offered throughout. Daniel Burke added that gaining hands on experience in a live airport environment was one of the most valuable aspects of the programme.
Belfast City Airport continues to invest in skills development, innovation and future talent across all areas of the business, with the High Flyers Apprenticeship Programme remaining central to its long term vision.
