Belfast City Airport welcomes 26 young people to seventh IGNITE leadership programme
Belfast City Airport has welcomed 26 young people from across Northern Ireland to the seventh year of its IGNITE Youth Leadership Programme, helping the next generation develop confidence, leadership skills and valuable workplace experience.
The programme brings together students aged 16 to 18 from 19 secondary schools and further education colleges, offering opportunities to learn from professionals in sport, business, radio, entrepreneurship and politics.
Running over 10 months, the initiative combines practical training, work placements and personal development activities designed to prepare participants for future education and employment.
Belfast City Airport IGNITE programme supports future leaders
First introduced in 2019, IGNITE was established with an ambition to support 100 young people.
The airport has now exceeded that target, with more than 150 students participating since the programme began.
A further 26 students have joined the 2026/27 intake, representing schools and colleges from across Northern Ireland.
The initiative aims to help young people recognise their strengths, build confidence and develop the skills needed to succeed in education, employment and their wider communities.
Participants will also have opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds and establish connections with industry professionals.
Students from across Northern Ireland take part
The latest group includes young people from schools and colleges in Ballymena, Coleraine, Bangor, Ballynahinch, Larne, Lisburn, Dungannon and Lurgan.
Students from east, north, south and west Belfast are also represented.
By bringing together participants from different communities, the programme aims to encourage collaboration, strengthen relationships and provide experiences beyond the classroom.
Over the coming months, students will participate in activities involving recognised professionals from a range of industries.
The programme also includes workplace experience and skills training to help participants explore potential career opportunities.
Young people to gain personal and career development qualification
As part of IGNITE, participants will work towards an NLP Diploma in Personal and Career Development.
The qualification is designed to complement the practical experiences offered throughout the programme.
Students will explore their personal strengths and values while developing communication, confidence and leadership skills.
The airport says these experiences can help young people make informed decisions about their future and strengthen their employability.
Belfast City Airport highlights importance of youth development
Michelle Hatfield, Chief People and Marketing Officer at Belfast City Airport, welcomed the return of the programme.
She said the airport had seen the positive difference IGNITE could make to young people since its introduction in 2019.
Ms Hatfield highlighted the importance of working with local schools and colleges to create meaningful opportunities for personal growth and development.
She also said the airport was committed to making a lasting contribution to communities through educational and youth development initiatives.
The organisation hopes the latest participants will develop greater confidence, establish new connections and make the most of the opportunities available throughout the programme.
Training partners welcome seventh year of IGNITE
Kieran Devlin and Gerry Kelly from ACHIEVERS Consultancy are supporting the programme as trainers.
Both welcomed the opportunity to work with another group of young people, highlighting the importance of initiatives that help students prepare for education and employment.
They said the programme provides participants with opportunities to develop practical skills and take meaningful steps towards their future ambitions.
The latest intake will continue its development activities over the coming months, building on the experiences of previous IGNITE participants.
The programme forms part of Belfast City Airport’s wider commitment to supporting education, community engagement and opportunities for young people across Northern Ireland.
External link: Belfast City Airport — Official IGNITE programme announcement
Other news: Belfast City Airport to consult public on £200m expansion plans