Earlier this month, Glasgow Prestwick Airport proudly hosted a Neurodivergence Training Day, welcoming Alison and Celine from Neurodevelopmental Empowerment Strategy Team (NEST). The primary objective of this initiative was to deepen our staff’s understanding of the challenges encountered by neurodiverse passengers. Through interactive sessions, including personal statements, exercises, videos, and a PowerPoint presentation, our team explored key themes under two modules: “Neurodiversity” and “Autism”.

This comprehensive training aimed to equip our staff with the necessary knowledge and tools to ensure all passengers, regardless of their neurodiversity, enjoy a positive experience while traveling through our airport. Currently, 18 staff members from landside Operations have completed the training, with plans to involve more colleagues in various departments in the future. The feedback received from our staff has been overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming our commitment to providing inclusive and accommodating services to all passengers.

Celine Dyer, Neurodevelopmental Project Co-ordinator at NEST said;

” I had the privilege of delivering neurodiversity training to the exceptional staff members at Glasgow Prestwick Airport. Witnessing their passion and genuine eagerness to learn how to better support neurodivergent passengers was truly inspiring. Together, we’re paving the way for inclusive air travel, ensuring that every individual, regardless of neurodiversity, feels welcomed and accommodated.”

Roddy McLeod, Landside Operations Manager at Glasgow Prestwick Airport said;

“On behalf of Glasgow Prestwick Airport I would like to thank Alison Clark and Celine Dyer from NEST for delivering Neurodiversity and Autism Awareness training to some of our passenger service agents.  The standard of course delivered and subject knowledge from the trainers was excellent and the trainees particularly enjoyed the interactive sessions. 

“We look forward to working alongside NEST to further enhance our disability awareness training in the future.”