Local mayor Andy Burnham visited Manchester airport’s £1 billion transformation scheme to mark the 80th apprentice starting work on the site.
The Greater Manchester mayor also met small and medium-sized companies that have been awarded contracts to deliver the scheme.
Tom Bedford, 18, Salford, is working for Bedford Fabrications as a fabricator/welder and became the project’s 80th apprentice.
More than 150 apprentices will be recruited over the course of the project.
The number of people currently working on one of the largest construction projects in the north of England has reached more than 1,000.
Burnham said: “Manchester airport is a massive asset to our city region, connecting those living and working here to more global destinations than ever before, as well as helping attract visitors and tourists in the other direction.
“The investment it is making will further enhance Greater Manchester’s international credentials and make a major contribution to placing the city region at the heart of a prosperous northern economy.
“What is great to see is that the project is also doing a huge amount to create employment for people from all backgrounds and providing training that will ensure it leaves a skills legacy for future generations.
“The fact so many Greater Manchester businesses are working on the airport’s transformation, creating and sustaining jobs in the process, can only be good news for our economy.”