From apprentice to leader: Engineering careers without borders

At British Airways, engineering is about more than maintaining aircraft, it’s about building futures. In-fact, every challenge is a chance for our engineers to grow, to innovate, and to take their career further than they ever imagined. We spent time with Troy Dockree whose journey began back in 2012 as a British Airways apprentice with his local college.

Over three years, Troy learned the fundamentals of aviation: avionics, mechanical systems, and the vital hand skills that form the foundation of every engineer’s career.

After qualifying, he began working as a Mechanic in Short Haul Majors, but it wasn’t long before he set his sights on the next step. While in that role, Troy gained his CAA B1.1 Licence, an achievement that opened new doors within the airline.

Supported by colleagues who inspired him to keep progressing, he went on to become a Technician, then a Licensed B Technician, and today he’s a Duty Maintenance Manager (DMM), leading engineering operations across two major US airports: Nashville (BNA) and Baltimore (BWI).

“Like many in engineering, I began as an apprentice working around the business before progressing to become a Mechanic on the A320 fleet. Every placement showed me the variety of areas you can work in within British Airways...Myself and another DMM run both airports with support from our Station Maintenance Manager. We provide full British Airways Engineering across multiple aircraft fleets and work closely with teams across the airline to deliver a seamless service for our customers.”

Troy’s dedication has taken him far beyond the UK, across North America, Africa, Asia and Europe, supporting the British Airways fleet and ensuring our aircraft are ready to keep the world connected.

From introducing non-personalised tooling and reducing plastic waste, to expanding the use of Power Apps to streamline processes, he’s part of a new generation of BA engineers driving innovation and sustainability.

And the learning never stops. Thanks to the British Airways Global Learning Academy, our engineer still continues to train on new aircraft types and technologies, keeping his skills up to date with current aircraft types and technologies.

“The mentoring from enthusiastic and knowledgeable engineers around me made me confident in my pathway and my choice to work in the United States. I feel supported by my manager and colleagues around the globe, we help each other 24 hours a day, whenever needed.”

It’s this sense of teamwork and shared purpose that makes British Airways Engineering so unique. Beyond the hangars and toolkits, it’s a community of passionate people who never stop learning, supporting and exploring.

Advice for future engineers

“Be open-minded, take a chance and jump into the new opportunities British Airways has to offer. British Airways can provide you the career you’re after and will support you for the future.”

From apprentice to global leader, Troy’s story truly demonstrates career growth within British Airways Engineering where the sky really isn’t the limit, it’s just the beginning.

Inspired by Troy’s journey? Discover where a career in British Airways Engineering could take you.

Explore engineering careers