Ballymena student among future leaders in Belfast City Airport’s IGNITE programme

IGNITE participant, Jenna Louise Dowds from Slemish College, pictured with Paula Bittles, Business Support Executive at Belfast City Airport and Gerry Kelly, CEO of NICSSA

Belfast City Airport has launched the sixth year of its acclaimed IGNITE youth leadership programme, reaffirming its dedication to inspiring and empowering young people from across Greater Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Originally designed to support 100 students, the IGNITE initiative has now successfully engaged over 120 young people since its launch in 2019, with a record 34 students embarking on the 2025/2026 programme — the largest intake to date.

Among those selected this year is Jenna Louise Dowds from Slemish College in Ballymena, who joins fellow students from 21 schools and colleges across the region.

Speaking at the launch, Michelle Hatfield, Chief People and Marketing Officer at Belfast City Airport, said:

“When we first launched IGNITE in 2019, we had a clear vision to make a long-lasting impact on the lives of young people from all backgrounds across Northern Ireland by giving them the tools to build brighter futures.

“We take immense pride in having fulfilled this goal from the outset and in our continued efforts to support the next generation. IGNITE now returns for the sixth year, reflecting not only the programme’s popularity but also the clear demand for initiatives like this across the region.

“Over the last five years, we’ve seen firsthand how transformative this initiative is, not just in building skills, but empowering young people to emerge as future leaders in their communities.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside so many students so far, and we look forward to another year of encouraging and inspiring the next generation of talent.”

Over the next 12 months, the IGNITE participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with leading figures in sports, business, radio, entrepreneurship, and politics.

The programme includes mentorship sessions, skills training, guest speakers, and work placements, giving students the confidence and tools to explore their personal and professional goals.

Participants will also achieve an NLP Diploma in Personal and Career Development, boosting their employability and personal growth.

Gerry Kelly, CEO, and Kieran Devlin, Operations and Facilities Director of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Sports Association, expressed their support for the programme, stating:

“The IGNITE programme offers an invaluable opportunity for young people in Northern Ireland, and we are incredibly proud to work with Belfast City Airport as it launches for the sixth year.

“Initiatives like this are vital in helping students in Northern Ireland build the confidence, resilience, and skills necessary to succeed in both education and future employment.

“It was an honour to contribute to the opening session and support this year’s cohort as they take meaningful steps towards shaping their futures and influencing their communities.”

This year’s IGNITE cohort includes students from East Belfast, Ballymena, Ballynahinch, Bangor, Coleraine, Cookstown, Holywood, Lisburn, North Belfast, Portadown, South Belfast, and West Belfast.

For more information about the IGNITE programme, visit www.belfastcityairport.com.