Lisa Gorton announced winner of the Industry Partnership Award at Inaugural Employability Excellence Awards

Rhodri Thomas, Dean of the School said “We are delighted to hear of Lisa’s success at these awards. She leads a team of tutors that work hard to ensure our graduates are equipped to secure high quality jobs. Her work with Jet2.com epitomises this and this was further backed up in the recent graduate outcome results - 100% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months of graduation* - congratulations Lisa!”

The judges also commended the partnership and the work Lisa leads on.

“This is a strong example of an immersive industry partnership which is connected across the course levels. Clear evidence of the value for students in their career progression afterwards.’

“A great flagship collaboration!”

We caught up with Katie Rankin, Emerging Talent and Careers Manager at Jet2.com and Jet2Holidays to find out more about the partnership.

“Jet2 plc have had a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship with Leeds Beckett for a number of years. Having fostered this partnership with the passionate team at Leeds Beckett first-hand, I can confidently attest to the significant, positive impact it has had on both organisations.

Jet2 plc, a leading airline and tour operator, and Leeds Beckett University, a renowned institution of higher education, have collaborated on numerous initiatives that have benefited the students, the School of Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management, and the broader community."

"The partnership between the two organisations has been characterised by a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and the development of future talent."

Katie also said "One of the key aspects of the relationship has been the establishment of work placement programmes. Through these programmes, students from various disciplines have gained invaluable industry experience within the aviation and travel sector. 

I am also a mentor on the ABTA Student Representative programme run by Leeds Beckett. The programme gives students access to industry mentors and through this a student was given the opportunity to undertake a Project Management Apprenticeship with Jet2, which has led to a permanent Project Management role at Jet2.com."

"Jet2 has provided ongoing high quality learning opportunities, enabling students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world scenarios, whilst nurturing their professional growth and enhancing their employability prospects."

In addition to these initiatives, Jet2 has branded an area of the Travel and Tourism building at Headingley Campus to promote the brand to students as an employer of choice, with over 80 graduates from Leeds Beckett University going into roles across Jet2 in 2022.

Talking about this unique collaboration, Katie said "The relationship between Jet2 and Leeds Beckett University is led by a shared vision for excellence. It is a model example of how collaboration between industry and academia can create meaningful opportunities for students and contribute to the overall development of the aviation and travel sector."

Visit our website to find out more about the School of Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management.

*Percentage of respondents from BA (Hons) International Tourism Management, HESA Graduate Outcomes 20-21.