To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, approximately 40 British Airways apprentices came together to orchestrate the seamless departure of flight BA43 from Heathrow to Cape Town, serving over 300 customers. This marked a significant achievement for the airline, showcasing the capabilities of its apprentices in various operational roles.
In a groundbreaking move for the airline industry, the apprentices took on a wide range of responsibilities typically handled by seasoned professionals. These tasks included check-in procedures, boarding operations, dispatch coordination, in-flight cabin crew duties, baggage handling, and even engineering tasks. This initiative not only demonstrated the talent and dedication of the apprentices but also highlighted British Airways’ commitment to nurturing and empowering the next generation of aviation professionals.
This event also underscored the increasing popularity of apprenticeship programs within British Airways, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline experienced a surge in interest from prospective apprentices, with a record-breaking 4,500 applications received in 2023. This influx of aspiring talent signals a promising future for the airline, as it continues to invest in developing skilled individuals who will drive innovation and excellence within the aviation industry.
British Airways Apprentices Take Flight: Pioneering Success During National Apprenticeship Week
A cohort of adept British Airways apprentices has achieved a landmark accomplishment by successfully overseeing the departure of a flight bound for South Africa, marking a significant milestone for the airline and highlighting the integral role apprentices play across its operations.
During National Apprenticeship Week 2024, approximately 40 apprentices collaborated across various roles to ensure the smooth departure of the 18:25 Boeing 777 BA43 flight from London Heathrow to Cape Town, South Africa.
These apprentices were stationed at check-in counters, lounges, and boarding gates, offering assistance to over 300 passengers as they prepared for departure. Meanwhile, apprentices involved in ground operations managed baggage handling and engineering tasks on the airfield, ensuring the aircraft’s readiness for departure.
Jawad Arbi, a Heathrow Operations Apprentice at British Airways, shared his enthusiasm about the collaborative effort, stating, « Working in collaboration with other apprentices from across the operation to ensure a safe departure has been a fantastic experience. Starting an apprenticeship with British Airways has transformed my career, and I’m excited to continue to develop my skills and see where it takes me. »
British Airways’ apprentice scheme, now in its 13th year, has witnessed a remarkable surge in applicants, with a 75% increase compared to 2022, reaching 4,500 applications in the previous year, compared to 2,562 in 2022. The airline is currently offering more apprenticeship positions than ever before, having expanded from offering 30 places in 2011 to 290 today.
Apprentices joining the airline embark on work in ten area-focused roles across three business areas: Customer, Business, and Operations. Successful candidates have the opportunity to collaborate with seasoned airline professionals, participate in real-world aviation projects, and benefit from valuable mentorship to launch and advance their careers.
The overwhelming interest in the program underscores British Airways’ status as an industry leader and its pivotal role in shaping the future of aviation professionals. It also underscores the airline’s commitment to nurturing and fostering the next generation of talent in aviation, thereby supporting early careers in the industry.
Rachel Iley, Director of Global Learning Academy, at British Airways, said:
“This landmark flight demonstrates the integral role apprentices play in our workforce and the opportunities available to those who join British Airways on one of our schemes. Our talented apprentices bring a fresh perspective to our airline, and their ideas and enthusiasm will help propel us into the future.”
In 2023, British Airways’ Emerging Talent team, tasked with recruiting new talent via apprenticeships and graduate schemes, participated in nearly 250 career and job fairs, engaging with approximately 37,000 young individuals to encourage them to explore opportunities in aviation.
The upcoming round of apprenticeship applications is set to commence in October 2024.
Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon, said:
“Apprenticeships are crucial to giving people from all backgrounds the chance to climb the ladder of opportunity while addressing skills gaps and helping to grow our economy.
“So, it is brilliant news that British Airways continues to embrace apprenticeships offering 178 positions this year, and receiving a record number of applications. British Airways understand the levy and use it well. They have experienced the wealth of benefits apprentices bring to their business, and I hope more businesses follow their lead and experience this for themselves.”
