Following an intensive training course, the first 84 British Airways apprentices on the UK’s biggest ever Cabin Crew Apprenticeship Scheme have started flying on the airline’s largest route network in more than a decade, including new routes to Osaka in Japan and Pittsburgh in the USA.

Keeping it in the family: mum of four becomes one of British Airways’ first ever cabin crew apprentices and joins daughter, who also flies for the airline

British Airways is recruiting 2,000 cabin crew this year who will all be trained at the airline’s Global Learning Academy. Cabin crew apprentices will then continue their learning journey in the air and on the ground for a further 10-months, flying both long and short-haul routes from Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

Family Affair

Dallas Chapman, 46, was one of the first cabin crew apprentices to receive her wings at a ceremony at the airline’s headquarters near Heathrow. Her daughter, Molly, who is also cabin crew for British Airways, was there to offer her mum support.

Dallas said: “Before joining British Airways I was a social worker and I also worked in sales and marketing. It sounds like a cliché but I've always wanted to be cabin crew. I have four children, so I've always had to be near home, but now is my time.

“Molly convinced me to apply. She said 'Mum, there are so many more mature people becoming cabin crew now.' We both chose British Airways because it’s synonymous with quality and I feel so proud every time I put on the uniform. The fact I am an apprentice is exciting; I’m really enjoying learning new skills for the next phase of my career and I feel confident I'll be supported throughout the 12 months of the apprenticeship. It’s brilliant that I'll have a qualification I can keep forever.”

Molly added: “I’m so proud of my mum. She has always wanted to be cabin crew and she is proof that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. We’ve just found out we’re flying to Buenos Aires together next month; I can’t wait, it’s somewhere we’ve always wanted to go, so it’s a dream come true.”

Dallas and her group of apprentices will continue to be trained and supported in achieving a new industry-recognised Level 3 Cabin Crew Apprenticeship standard. The programme will see them gain qualifications in English, Maths and Digital Skills. They will also have access to a dedicated mobile app to track their progress, plus continuous development coaching from an experienced apprenticeship coach.

Quality apprenticeships for all

British Airways has a long tradition of running quality apprenticeship schemes, with apprentices currently working in engineering, airport operations, customer service and head office roles.

The airline’s Global Learning Academy holds the status of registered Employer Provider of Apprenticeships, enabling it to continue delivering specialist airline learning while also offering employees enhanced skills and professional qualifications.

British Airways’ Apprenticeships & Emerging Talent Manager, Karen Hewitt, said: “I’m delighted we have presented our very first group of cabin crew apprentices with their wings, as they complete the initial part of their apprenticeship. They will now serve our customers at 40,000 feet in the air, across our huge global network, while receiving our full support to achieve their qualification by the end of their first 12 months with us.

“We’re proud to welcome cabin crew apprentices of all ages and backgrounds. They’re joining the airline at an incredibly exciting time, as British Airways celebrates its centenary and invests £6.5bn for customers, and I would urge anyone who thinks they would be a fantastic fit for British Airways to apply for this unique apprenticeship opportunity today.”

To find out more, and to apply, visit British Airways’careers.