Belfast City Airport has launched the sixth year of its IGNITE youth leadership programme, reaffirming its commitment to inspiring the next generation of students from schools and colleges across Northern Ireland.
IGNITE was developed to equip young people from all backgrounds with the skills and ability to grow into confident leaders.
Now in its sixth year, the initiative has built on its original aim of supporting 100 students, successfully engaging more than 120 students since 2019, with a record 34 students signed up to embark in the next 12-month prestigious programme.
Speaking at its 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 from 21 different secondary schools and higher educational colleges in Northern Ireland will collaborate with recognised names in the field of sports, business, radio, entrepreneurship, and politics, while undergoing work placements, mentorship, guest speakers, and skills training.
This unique opportunity will help participants strengthen their personal skills, recognise their individual strengths and values, build meaningful connections with peers and professionals alike, whilst building the confidence to explore their own goals with purpose.
Upon completing the initiative, students will not only have developed on a personal level but will also have gained an NLP Diploma in Personal and Career Development, strengthening their employability.
Gerry Kelly, CEO and Kieran Devlin, Operations and Facilities Director of Northern Ireland Civil Service Sports Association spoke of their delight at being involved in the launch of the programme:
“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.”
The 2025/2026 IGNITE programme, featuring students from East Belfast Schools alongside schools in Ballymena, Ballynahinch, Bangor, Coleraine, Cookstown, Holywood, Lisburn, North Belfast, Portadown, South Belfast, and West Belfast.
For more information on the IGNITE programme, visit www.belfastcityairport.com