Aspiring Leader Review

The role varies as it depends on which placement you are completing, but each role whether operational or office-based provides opportunities to solve challenges, manage individual projects and support other colleagues in different areas of the business. Day to day activities have included supporting training programs and learning customer service skills, working with stakeholders and applying university learning to the workplace.

I've learnt a wide range of new skills, including but not limited to the ability to organise and prioritise more effectively (particularly when under time constraints), as well as lots of technical knowledge surrounding the airline and aviation in general which has been fascinating. I've also learnt specific skills relating to applications like Excel.

I really enjoy the programme, and although only really at the beginning of it, I've enjoyed that I have already had the chance to experience two very different placements with a new one upcoming too. I'm very happy to be at British Airways, but particularly on this program which should give many varied opportunities to progress and excel. The reputation of it is excellent too.

The programme was brand new for my cohort, so of course there have been teething issues related to the organisation - much of which ties into the training provider, as opposed to being British Airway's fault. However, overall this has improved quite quickly and I can see the overall structure for the entire 4 years and know how this will work in the future as well as now.

There is excellent support from the employer at many levels, although sometimes it feels more difficult than it should to get a 'small' issue resolved - this is just the nature of being in such a big business though I suppose, as there are often HR related hoops to jump through. Overall I'm very happy with the support I've received for a multitude of matters.

Support from the training provider is there, but not always the most efficient or effective. However this has been worked on thanks to British Airway's input. British Airways respond to any issues we had with the training provider excellently and thus we are receiving good support from the training provider in the form of both online and in-person lectures, email outreach etc.

The qualification is intrinsically linked to the role and particularly the first couple of modules centred on self reflection that we studied with the training provider. I look forward to seeing how the two connect in the future and utilising my theoretical knowledge learned for the qualification to become the best I can at my role.

There are definitely opportunities to get involved at work, notably networking events and charity events through the company charity Flying Start for which apprentices all become ambassadors. In terms of social/sport activities, these exist and are beginning to pick up again post-covid as more employees return to the office.

Yes

British Airways is a dynamic and ever-changing business, but it stays true to its more traditional roots too. A world-renowned airline with an exceptional reputation, as an employer they offer endless opportunities to explore and develop as an individual while working as part of one big team. I really love working as part of British Airways and look forward to the future!

Think carefully about why you want to work in aviation, but also why specifically British Airways - and be aware that the aviation bug is real! Think about the direction British Airways is moving in for the future and how you can help to shape the business and achieve the goals set out.