British Airways helps school leavers soar

Friday, 22 Aug, 2013 0

As hundreds of thousands of students receive their GCSE results, British Airways is offering more opportunities for school leavers than ever before. The airline has recruited almost 200 apprentices in the past year, with similar numbers planned for 2014 and beyond.

Since British Airways reintroduced its Heathrow Engineering apprenticeship schemes in 2010, almost 350 apprentices have been recruited.

Several other departments have followed suit and the airline now offers a range of 10 difference schemes, including Operations, World Cargo, People Services and Finance Services.

Most are open to students from the age of 16, with IT and Project Management courses also available for those over 18.

Kim Reid, head of talent and leadership at British Airways, said: "Over the last three years, we have made a real effort to grow our apprenticeship programmes, as we recognise that they offer an excellent opportunity for school leavers, while providing British Airways with energy, talent and fresh ideas.

"We are set to continue this investment over the coming years, and are currently exploring options to introduce even more courses."

Apprenticeships allow school leavers to have the best of both worlds, providing valuable workplace experience and on the job training through college partners.

Abdul Noor, 19, currently a project management apprenticeship, said: "It was drilled into me at school that I should go to University, but then the fee rise made me think again. I wanted to get stuck in and learn on the job instead.

"As I move through different placements, I’m getting a lot of exposure to the business and there is a lot of trust in me. I’m treated like an adult and everyone has been incredibly supportive."

British Airways works with a number of different training providers on apprenticeships, including Farnborough College of Technology, Kingston College, Brooklands College, Uxbridge College and East Berkshire College.

The airline also works closely with the National Apprenticeship Service.

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British Airways

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