A host of new faces have joined the Teesside International Airport team after a huge recruitment drive which took place as part of its multimillion-pound terminal transformation.
Since May, 22 people have started roles at Teesside Airport in everything from retail, food and beverage and passenger services to finance, executive assistance and even firefighting.
One new employee is Mohammed Ghafoor, 59, from Middlesbrough, who recently took up his role as a Passenger Services Coordinator, helping to make sure those using the airport receive a fantastic welcome and smooth experience.
Mohammed, known as Gaff, will be a familiar face to many across the region – and especially football fans – as he’s been a fixture at Middlesbrough FC for the past two decades. On match days he works in hospitality and his time there has seen him perform a number of different jobs. His commitment to the beautiful game doesn’t end there, as he’s also a football referee and BAME Refereeing Ambassador for North Riding County Football Association.
He previously worked at Middlesbrough College as a sports technician for almost ten years during which time he undertook various roles such as gymnastics and cricket coach, minibus driver and a security operative.
Gaff said: “I’ve only been here a few days, but I’ve been like a sponge, soaking everything up and learning the ropes. When I learned of the opportunity to work at the airport, I jumped at the chance as it’s a very exciting place to be.
“I’ve used the airport myself in the past and I’m thrilled flights are coming back, it’s a really optimistic time. All of the passengers that I speak to are also excited we’ve got our airport back. Not many places get a second chance, but now it’s up to us to make it work – and we will make it work.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We’re one month into welcoming passengers into our new-look terminal, but there’s no point redeveloping our building if people from across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool don’t also get a first-class customer experience from our staff.
“We’ve been able to create these good-quality, well-paid jobs for local people to make sure everyone passing through our airport receives polite, efficient and friendly service. I’m delighted to see our airport buzzing again with enthusiastic new starters, including the much-loved Gaff, who are breathing new life into Teesside International. There’ll be plenty more roles to come, so watch this space.”
The airport is now recruiting for an air traffic control assistant. This vacancy, alongside others as they become available, can be found on www.TeesValley.Jobs
