Duration: 3.5 Years
Salary: £17,339, increasing in year two and three
Location: London Heathrow
Application Closing Date: 19 November 2026
Start Date: Autumn 2027
The programme
You’ll gain your experience working alongside some of the best engineers in the business. They’ll help you to develop your engineering skills, whilst repairing aircraft components in both ramp and hangar environments. You’ll rotate through different workshops, learning different skillsets, so you understand the nature of highly sophisticated aircraft components. As well as training on the job, you’ll be studying for the qualifications you need to become one of our future Workshop Engineers.
The initial induction to the business for this Apprenticeship will take place at our London Heathrow Base. For the remainder of the first year, this Apprenticeship will then split between Farnborough College of Technology, where you will study 3 days per week towards a Composite Technician apprenticeship and 2 days on the job training in the Fleet Support Facility workshop at Heathrow, with weekends off. During year one, you will achieve an EAL level 2 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and study towards your knowledge skills and behaviours. You will undertake placements at British Airways Heathrow base to learn practical skills which under pin the formal learning.
In your second year, you will still follow a Monday to Friday pattern, attending college 1 day per week to further cover the knowledge skills and behaviours criteria, with 4 days on the job training at Heathrow.
In your final year you will transition to 4 on/4 off day shift pattern and complete your work-based portfolio of evidence in preparation for the end point assessment which will complete your apprenticeship.
We will also supplement and support your learning with additional aviation related training in Air Legislation, Human Factors and Aircraft Composite repairs, as well as holding regular 1:1 meeting with your line manager and progress reviews with your learning provider.
About You
We are looking for a minimum of a grade 5 (B) in Maths. English and Science GCSE at grade 9 – 4 (A* - C) desirable. We accept predicted grades, but they must be achieved before starting the apprenticeship.
A strong communicator with an awareness for safety, a self-starter and the ability to adapt to change. Above all, a genuine passion for engineering.
Your application will not be considered if you have achieved prior qualifications in the following:
- HNC/HND or Degree in Engineering.
- BTEC Level 3 in Engineering.
What's in it for you?
Looking to join our apprenticeship scheme? You won't be disappointed. Recently being ranked 18th in Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer Awards, we can't wait to welcome you into the British Airways family.
We have many benefits for apprentices at British Airways, here are a handful to showcase the diversity of our apprentice community:
- Part of our apprentice network and community, with the opportunity to engage with apprentices from all schemes in the business and learn from former apprentices
- Involvement in our bold sustainability vision, volunteering an active role to champion specific community groups including LGBTQ+ 'Flying Proud' and ethnic minority network 'BeMe'
- Involvement in Community Investment programmes, taking part in fundraising challenges for partnership charities, supporting causes close to your heart
- Volunteering in schools and colleges sharing personal experiences to inspire, empower and mentor students and support their potential to gain employment in the industry we love
- Access to heavily discounted flights to globe trot (with the opportunity to fly in style in our business class seats), and a generous annual leave entitlement to turn your bucket list into reality
Further Information & Next Steps
We are delighted you are considering applying! Here’s some more information you may need about the application process:
- All sections of your application need to be complete, including all online tests, by the deadline given
- Due to high volumes of applications, you may only apply for one graduate programme. We would recommend for you to read about each graduate scheme before applying as only your first application will be considered
- If you are successful with the online tests, you will be invited to complete a short video interview and application questions within a given timeframe
- Across all stages of the application process, if you fail to submit by the deadline, your application will be automatically withdrawn.
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.
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. This is due to be in January/February 2027.
For more information about our Aircraft Workshop Apprenticeship scheme, click here: https://careers.ba.com/aircraft-workshop-fleet
