Duration: 11 Months
Location: British Airways Engineering Wales, Rhoose.
Salary: £23,875 Pro Rata
Start Date: September 2027
Application Closing Date: 4th November 2026
About Us
British Airways Engineering Wales is a centre of excellence for aircraft maintenance and component overhaul. Based at Cardiff Airport in Rhoose, our highly skilled teams carry out major maintenance on British Airways’ long-haul fleet — ensuring our aircraft remain safe, efficient, and ready to connect people across the world. Alongside our heavy maintenance operation, we also have specialist Avionic and Interior teams dedicated to overhauling a wide range of aircraft components, from flight deck systems to cabin fittings. Our site brings together deep engineering expertise and forward-thinking business operations, supporting the smooth running of a world-class aviation maintenance facility.
What You’ll Be Doing
Over the course of this 11-month business placement, you'll use data, insight and analytical thinking to help solve real business challenges across British Airways Engineering Wales. Working alongside operational and senior stakeholders, you'll investigate trends, identify opportunities for improvement and support decisions that enhance business performance.
You’ll have the opportunity to work across different business areas, contributing to key projects that make a tangible impact on our performance. Use data and analytical thinking to challenge assumptions, uncover opportunities and help drive smarter ways of working across the organisation.
Your placement will be tailored to your strengths and interests, allowing you to take ownership of your development while collaborating with colleagues at every level — from graduates to senior leaders. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll have the chance to build valuable networks within both our placement and graduate communities.
This is more than just a placement; it’s a chance to be part of the British Airways Engineering Wales story — helping us shape the future of aircraft maintenance while building the foundations for your own successful career.
Who We’re Looking For
- Predicted to achieve a 2:2 or equivalent on a degree course in any subject.
- You MUST be returning to university following your 11-month placement with us.
- Enjoy working with data and using evidence to solve problems.
- Are naturally curious and ask questions to understand why things happen.
- Can identify patterns, trends and opportunities within information.
- Build strong relationships and engage others to find solutions.
- Enjoy presenting ideas and influencing decisions through insight.
- Have experience using Excel, Power BI, Tableau or similar tools (desirable but not essential).
- We highly recommend that all candidates can drive due to limited transport links to site.
What's in it for you?
This placement offers a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience turning data into business insight. You'll work alongside experienced professionals, develop commercial and analytical skills, and see firsthand how data-driven decisions support one of the UK's leading aviation businesses.
We have many benefits for graduates at British Airways, here are a handful to showcase the diversity of our graduate community:
- Be part of our graduate community and connect with peers across the business
- Get involved in sustainability and community initiatives
- Join colleague networks like LGBTQ+ 'Flying Proud' and ethnic minority network 'BeMe'
- Volunteer in schools and universities to inspire future talent
- Enjoy discounted flights and generous annual leave to explore the world
- Opportunity to continue your British Airways experience following your placement by becoming a 'Campus Ambassador'.
Boost Your Application
Visit our student website, Speedbird-Z. This is a one-stop-shop for students interested in a career in aviation. You can speak to our digital mentors, complete learning modules to help your application and find out what events we have coming up!
Do you have any questions or need advice? Join our weekly virtual drop-in sessions to talk to our recruitment team. Come along any Tuesday between 3:30pm and 4:30pm. Find the teams link on Speedbird-Z.
Be Yourself at BA
At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work.
Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.
Visa Sponsorship
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they will have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the Business Placement.
Recruitment Process and Timelines
- Step 1 – Click apply to visit our Discover & Prep hub. You will need to complete a Pre-Application Task before you apply.
- Step 2 - Once you have completed the activities on our Discover & Prep hub, you can begin your application.
- Step 3 – Once your application has been submitted, you will be invited to complete some online assessments.
- Step 4 – Successful candidates will then be invited to complete a Video Interview to assess your motivation and fit for the role. You will be invited to this stage in November.
- Step 5 - If you reach the final stage, you will be invited to Waterside for an Assessment Centre where you will complete an interview and work-related exercises. This is due to be in early December.
Across all stages of the application process, if you fail to submit by the deadline, your application will be automatically withdrawn.
Important: You can only apply to one emerging talent scheme, so choose wisely.
For more information about our Engineering Wales Business Placement click HERE.
