Work Experience Student Review

We were involved in learning about all the different functions of the Flight Operations team at British Airways plc. We worked with the pilot training, recruitment, engineering, maintenance and health and safety teams to gain an in-depth understanding of the recruitment and training processes at the airline alongside meeting crew to learn about their day-to-day roles and work-life balance.

I developed my presentation and public speaking skills. A large part of the recruitment and entry process for the work experience course itself was to take part in a group problem-solving assessment - something most role applicants at British Airways plc and other airlines complete. It was great to learn more about how these were assessed and develop my knowledge of the intensive recruitment process.

I really enjoyed my work experience with British Airways. I enjoyed meeting colleagues from all parts of the organisation and visiting key areas within the business including the Head Office, maintenance hangar, airside operations, uniform fitting, training centre and recruitment and assessment area where new applicants and crew for the airline interview.

The work experience programme was well-managed and organised, the staff were very supportive and all information was sent out well in advance to enable planning. It felt like you were a real employee for the week - with a full competitive interview process conducted in the same style as permanent staff.

A large portion of the work experience was conducting training and workshops to learn about the customer service standards, expectations and brand values all staff need to embrace whilst working for British Airways. We learnt a lot about the benefits full-time staff receive and everybody was excited and hopeful to continue a career with the airline.

The work experience programme was especially helpful in helping me decide which path to follow for my own career - we received support throughout the pandemic to help us understand the changing dynamic and recruitment processes. I have a clear picture on which path to follow thanks to the support offered via the work experience programme.

No reimbursement or payment was offered for the work experience programme, however I did find the experience rewarding in other ways. The networking and career advice I gained was invaluable and far outweighed not being paid for the experience. British Airways are always massively over-subscribed for the very popular work experience programme and therefore I don't believe an expectation for payment is reasonable.

Yes! There was a great opportunity to meet full-time British Airways colleagues and learn more about their experience working for British Airways. There was also the opportunity to meet a number of employees who begun their work with British Airways on the same work experience programme as us which was inspiring for many.

Yes

The work experience programme was an invaluable introduction to British Airways - a company myself and many others on the course have wanted to be employed by for many years. The work experience programme was thoroughly enjoyable and offered great networking opportunities with existing full-time staff. The support that was offered following completion of the work experience programme was also excellent and guided many students through Covid in an industry so heavily affected.

I would suggest that applicants thoroughly read all information sent out prior to the course and that they are confident and punctual to all interviews. A characteristic that the recruitment team place great importance on is professionalism whilst being outgoing and supportive. It's important to understand and listen to other people's views during group projects and tasks to demonstrate teamworking.