BA Launches Heathrow Operations Apprenticeship Programme

British Airways is giving students a chance to work behind the scenes at one of the world’s busiest international airports as it launches its first ever apprenticeship programme with the 3,000 strong operations team at Heathrow.

The airline, in partnership with Kingston College, is looking for students interested in a career in airline operations to enrol in a new course.

The full-time 18-week course, starting in September 2011, includes two-weeks work experience with British Airways at Heathrow.

During the work experience the 18 successful students will get the chance to learn first hand how British Airways co-ordinates every aspect of its 580 daily departures and arrivals at Heathrow.

They will see how the airline manages the fuelling, baggage, cargo, cleaning, catering, engineering, and safety of every single aircraft for up to 90,000 customers’ daily journeys.

Students successfully completing the course will gain a Level Two Diploma and Certificate in Aviation Operations on the Ground and will be offered the opportunity to apply for an eighteen-month structured apprenticeship scheme within British Airways, starting in February 2012.

Andy Lord, British Airways director of operations, said, “This is a fantastic chance for any young person interested in a career in ground operations to get a unique insight into what makes British Airways work. Students will see first hand all aspects of how the airline uses state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the highest levels of punctuality and customer experience, including the handling of 80,000 bags, 75,000 customer meals and 2,000 tonnes of cargo every day.”

Students can apply to join the Aviation Operations on the Ground entry course by visiting the Kingston College website.

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