The airport has also launched a new Infrastructure Skills Council to examine how major UK projects can help tackle the growing number of young people not in education, employment or training.

Nearly one million young people are currently classed as NEET.

The council will bring together contractors, employers, trade unions, colleges and training providers to identify clearer routes into construction, engineering and other infrastructure careers.

It will be co-chaired by former education secretary Lord Blunkett and former skills and apprenticeships minister Robert Halfon, now executive director at Make UK.

Heathrow said its expansion could ultimately support 108,000 jobs across the country spanning construction, engineering, logistics, sustainability and the wider supply chain.

As part of its expansion plans, the airport will develop a youth employment and skills plan targeting 5,000 apprenticeships, traineeships and other entry-level opportunities.

The council will hold four regional meetings around the UK before publishing recommendations for Heathrow, the wider infrastructure sector and Government.

Government youth employment adviser Alan Milburn, who is leading an independent review into young people and work, backed the initiative.

He said: “Nearly one million young people in Britain are not in education, employment or training. Unless we act, we risk a lost generation of young people.

“Major projects like Heathrow expansion have the potential to make a real difference by connecting young people who need jobs to opportunities, skills and experience that can change the course of their lives.”

Lord Blunkett, co-chair of the Heathrow Infrastructure Skills Council, said: “Given that the Government is serious about tackling youth unemployment and closing the skills gap, they must continue to progress nationally significant infrastructure projects with absolute urgency.

“We are at a watershed moment, with a pipeline of projects that could transform the lives of our young people.”