Gatwick expects to create up to 800 specialist construction jobs from the mid-2020s should it be allowed to open a second runway.
The positions would be available during the construction phase of the project to bring the parallel strip to the airport’s existing single runway into regular use.
The roles are part of 18,400 additional local jobs the airport says could be generated by 2038 with the northern runway development.
The work would be split across the development of the northern runway, taxiway alterations, work within terminal buildings, car parks and highway projects.
Gatwick has started a 12-week public consultation on the plans, which closes on December 1.
Part of a new strategy involves using the procurement process to provide opportunities for local businesses to be included in the airport’s supply chains, as well as encouraging investment in firms in the area.
Gatwick also pledged to develop construction training, upskilling and apprenticeship opportunities “based upon the projection of labour requirements, predicted skills gaps and targets for local recruitment and progression”.
Chief technical officer Cedric Laurier said: “The opportunities presented for local employment, education, skill development and business through Gatwick’s northern runway project are incredibly exciting for the region.
“To be able to offer 800 new jobs in construction alone is great news for both the current workforce and even schoolchildren of today. But it’s not just construction that will benefit. A wide variety of skills and levels of experience will be required as the airport operation grows and these benefits flow out across the local area.
“We are excited to be able to work with local schools, further and higher education providers, industry bodies and other organisations to ensure the local population can access the education and skill development provision required to benefit from future airport jobs.”