“There are international airports in all major U.S. cities, and the same national employers operate in almost all of them,” said Susan Crane, Port Jobs’ Executive Director. “This was a great opportunity to share best practices.”

Ideas springboard discussion

After a nuts-and-bolts session showcasing Port Jobs’ Airport Jobs office, the seventeen participants came together to hear about each other’s programs and accomplishments.

The San Francisco program created a “general” employment application that is used by many airport employers. This application makes it easier for job seekers to apply for multiple jobs at once.

In Denver, the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development, Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning, and the Community College of Denver recently launched a new Customer Service Training Program for airport employees. It includes English as a Second Language courses, and training for managers.

Port Jobs and partner South Seattle Community College highlighted innovative programs such as security badge test training, which prepares qualified workers with limited English skills for airport work.

Survey finds airport jobs programs unique in nation

A recent survey by Port Jobs revealed only four airport employment centers operating in the U.S. - in San Francisco, Seattle, Cincinnati, and Reagan Washington National Airports.

Prior to September 11th, efforts underway to open employment offices at Los Angeles and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airports were put on hold during the ensuing economic downturn. Nevertheless, interest in airport employment is growing.

Margaret Boron, from the Hudson Group at Sea-Tac Airport, gave an employer’s perspective: “Having an office like Airport Jobs means that you’re working with professionals who know the airport environment.”

“In other airports, we spend considerable time and money trying various recruitment sources. Here, Airport Jobs provides us with a steady supply of qualified applicants,” she adds.

The meeting was made possible through a grant from the National Network of Sector Partners (NNSP), a membership association promoting industry-specific workforce initiatives.

For more information about this event, contact Stephanie Kellner (206-728-3883).