Ballymena student among 31 graduates of airport leadership programme

Ballymena Future leaders take flight with Belfast City Airport’s IGNITE Youth Leadership Programme (pictured with Kieran Devlin, Operations and Facilities Director of Northern Ireland Civil Service Sports Association, Jenna Louise Dowds, and Michelle Hatfield Chief People and Marketing Officer at Belfast City Airport)

A student from Ballymena is among 31 young people to graduate from a leadership programme designed to help teenagers build confidence, develop life skills and prepare for future careers.

Jenna Louise Dowds, a student at Slemish College, was part of the latest cohort to complete Belfast City Airport’s IGNITE youth leadership programme, which has now celebrated the successful completion of its seventh year.

The year-long initiative brings together young people from a wide range of backgrounds, giving them opportunities to work with youth organisations, charities, businesses and industry professionals while developing skills that can support them throughout their personal and professional lives.

Building confidence beyond the classroom

Since launching in 2019, IGNITE has focused on helping participants grow in confidence, strengthen leadership abilities and gain experiences that may not be available through traditional classroom learning alone.

Participants work towards an NLP Diploma in Personal and Career Development while taking part in workshops, mentoring sessions and interactive activities designed to challenge them, broaden their horizons and encourage personal growth.

The programme also aims to help students develop strong communication skills, build professional networks and gain a clearer understanding of future career opportunities.

Michelle Hatfield, Chief People and Marketing Officer at Belfast City Airport, said the programme continues to have a lasting impact on the young people who take part.

“IGNITE was created to help young people realise their potential, and each year, we see that potential come to life in incredible ways.

“Since 2019, the programme has supported students to build confidence and develop essential life and leadership skills. This year’s cohort has been no exception, bringing energy, curiosity and determination to every opportunity.

“At Belfast City Airport, we are committed to investing in our community and the next generation. Programmes like IGNITE play a key role in that commitment, helping to inspire ambition, nurture talent, and provide young people with the opportunities they need to succeed.

“We are incredibly proud of everything this year’s graduates have achieved and extend our congratulations to each and every one of them as they take their next steps.”

Students reflect on a transformative experience

Graduates say the programme provided opportunities to meet new people, gain confidence and learn valuable lessons from industry leaders and guest speakers throughout the year.

Participant Harrison Firbank described the experience as one he will not forget.

“It’s definitely been an unforgettable experience. Being able to meet new people, get new opportunities, and get the lessons we’ve been taught from the guest speakers has been incredible.

“My biggest takeaway is to put yourself out there, throw yourself into things, and be confident.”

Fellow graduate Akshara Rakesh said the programme had helped her achieve personal goals while changing her outlook on leadership.

“It’s been a game changer! It really helps you to meet the personal goals you set yourself, and it changes you as a person by the time you reach the end of the programme. Being a leader is not just about guiding a team but being a team player.”

Local success story

For Ballymena and the wider Mid and East Antrim area, Jenna Louise Dowds’ graduation highlights the opportunities available to local young people through regional leadership and development programmes.

As the latest group of graduates moves on to further education, employment and future career opportunities, the programme continues to build a growing network of young leaders equipped with the confidence, skills and experience to take on new challenges.

More information about Belfast City Airport’s IGNITE youth leadership programme is available at belfastcityairport.com/IGNITE2026.

The success of the latest cohort underlines the continuing demand for initiatives that help young people develop beyond academic achievement alone, providing practical skills, confidence and connections that can shape their future ambitions.