Sunderland University signs graduate recruitment partnership with Swiss aviation giant

The University of Sunderland has entered into a new partnership with Swiss aviation services giant Swissport International.

Announced today (January 31), the tie-up will see the Swiss cargo and aircraft ground handling firm play a key role in supporting students as they explore careers in aviation.

The university’s Tourism, Hospitality and Events department is now a member of the Swissport Academy, enabling access to exclusive graduate recruitment opportunities.

Through the collaboration, Sunderland Uni will also explore continuous learning opportunities for its students, including airport visits, experiential learning and guest speakers from Swissport.

The university is preparing to recruit Tourism and Aviation Management students from September 2019 onwards.

Prof. Lawrence Bellamy, academic dean, Faculty of Business, Law and Tourism at the University of Sunderland, said: “The partnership between the University and Swissport represents the very best of opportunities for our students to gain experience and develop their career with a truly global company.

“Students will come into contact with the cutting edge of industry operations and gain highly valuable managerial insight from Swissport, a world-leading organisation.”

He added: “The organisation will also benefit from a supply of talent who have been developed specifically to serve the needs of this fast-moving industry. It’s a really innovative approach.”

Swissport’s recruitment services manager, Nicola Beveridge, commented: “We are delighted with the partnership with the university and to offer students the opportunity to join our business in a variety of different roles.

“It gives them a stepping stone that often many students lack at the end of a hard few years studying.”

She continued: “We hope this is a long partnership that teaches students that real opportunities lie at the end of their hard work.”