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Steven Flying High After Landing Airport Job

16th August 2004

A disabled Binley man is on cloud nine after landing his dream job at Coventry Airport.

Steven Watt thought his career was over when he was medically-discharged from the RAF after injuring his ankle while jogging.

He was then forced to give up a subsequent job with a major multinational electronics company after developing angina.

But now the 46-year-old is back doing what he loves best - working with aircraft - after being appointed as an air traffic engineer at Coventry Airport.

The job, is part of a team that has significant responsibility, maintaining all of the high-tech equipment supporting the air traffic operations at the expanding international airport.

He landed the job after being referred to Remploy Interwork - part of the UK's largest provider of employment opportunities for disabled people - who worked in close co-operation with the airport's human resources team.

Steven's manager, Pete Linacre, said: "You can't just go and pluck good air traffic engineers off the shelves and so we were delighted when someone with Steven's experience came along.

"His angina means there are certain things he can't do, and we have had to put some new procedures in place for safety reasons, but Steven is a fully-functioning and valued member of the team."

A delighted Steven added: "Some people like music but I like planes and working with aircraft is all I have ever wanted to do.

"After being discharged from the RAF I thought I would never get the chance to work in an airport environment again and so I was thrilled to get this job and I've loved every minute of it.

"The help I've received from Remploy has been tremendous and the support I've received from everyone at the airport has been fantastic. They are even going to the expense of fitting an air conditioning system which will help to control my angina."

Bob Warner, chief executive of Coventry-based Remploy, visited Steven at the airport last week to learn about his progress and was highly-impressed with what he saw. He is now hopeful that other employers will learn from Coventry Airport's positive experience of employing Steven and give more disabled people a chance to prove themselves in the workplace.

Mr Warner said: "It's great to see someone who has worked in the armed forces and has the relevant training and expertise back in mainstream employment.

"The airport has been very supportive of Steven and in return has benefited greatly from his skills and experience. Hopefully this positive experience for both employer and employee will encourage other employers to take advantage of the many benefits disabled people can bring to their organisations."

Media Enquiries Contact: Sue Lindsay +44 (0) 2476 308681

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