Apprentice – Aircraft Maintenance Heathrow Autumn 2026

British Airways; England; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airline company in the UK is offering an apprenticeship in Aircraft Maintenance starting in Autumn 2026. This program provides extensive training and development opportunities for aspiring Aircraft Maintenance Technicians at London Heathrow. Candidates must demonstrate a strong interest in engineering, with minimum qualifications required. This apprenticeship offers a unique chance to work alongside talented engineers and gain hands-on experience with various aircraft fleets.

Benefits

Access to discounted flights

Complimentary accommodation during off-site training

Engagement with community groups and volunteering opportunities

Diverse apprentice community support

Annual leave entitlement

Qualifications

• You must have a strong passion for engineering and aviation.
• Ability to adapt to changing environments is essential.
• Minimum GCSE requirement with specific grades.

Responsibilities

• Develop skills on real aircraft as part of the apprenticeship.
• Participate in comprehensive on-the-job training.
• Study towards qualifications for CAA Part-66 Category A Licence.

Skills

Strong communicator

Awareness for safety

Self-starter

Adaptability

Passion for engineering and aviation

Education

Minimum grade 5 (B) in Maths

Desirable grades 9-4 (A*-C) in English and Science GCSE

Job description

Aircraft Maintenance Autumn 2026

Duration:3 Years

Salary: Salary will be from £16,000, depending on the scheme, it will be specified during the assessment centre

Location:London Heathrow

Application Closing Date: 3 December 2025

Start Date: Autumn 2026

The programme

You’ll work alongside and learn from some incredibly talented engineers. Every day, you’ll develop your skills on real aircraft, in a real job. Over a series of placements, you’ll work on all our aircraft fleets, gaining the experience and knowhow to help keep them in perfect working order. You’re going to be busy. As well as comprehensive on-the-job training, you’ll be studying towards the qualifications you need to become one of our future Aircraft Maintenance Technicians.

The initial induction to the business for this Apprenticeship will take place at our London Heathrow base. For the majority of the first year, you will then be based off-site and living away from home which is where you will train and study towards your CAA Part-66 Category A Licence Modules under Apprenticeship Standard ST1315 Aircraft Engineering Technician Level 3 (Regulated Route). During your time away from Heathrow, we will provide complimentary accommodation for you close to your training base.

For years two and three, you will return to our Heathrow Base to work alongside our engineers with the potential to be placed in one of our other UK operational bases. You’ll continue to study towards CAA Part-66 Category A Licence Modules under Apprenticeship Standard ST1315 Aircraft Engineering Technician Level 3 (Regulated Route) and your End Point Assessment. Please note: For those aged 18 and over when based at Heathrow in years two and three, work will follow a 12-hour shift pattern — days (06:00–18:00), nights (18:00–06:00), or a mix of both — on a 4 on / 4 off rotation.

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) is desirable, we accept predicted grades but they must be achieved by 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 and aviation.

If you are already studying towards or have studied an engineering qualification, you are welcome to apply. Following your application, we will conduct a skills scan of your experience and prior qualifications to check your eligibility for apprenticeship funding.

What's in it for you?

Looking to join our apprenticeship scheme? You won't be disappointed. Recently being rankedin the Rate My Apprenticeship Top 100, 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 the British Airways 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 ambitious sustainability vision, volunteering an active role to champion specific community groups including LGBTQ+ 'Flying Proud' and black excellence '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, motivate and coach students and support their potential to gain employment in the industry we love
• In addition, you will have 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,includingall online tests,by the deadline given
• Due to high volumes of applications, you may only apply for one apprenticeship programme. We would recommend for you to read about each apprenticeship scheme before applying asonly yourfirst application will beconsidered
• If you are successful with the initial application, you will be invited to complete a short video interview within a given timeframe
• Across all stages of the application process, if youfail to submit bythe 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.

Timelines for this recruitment process

• Initial applications open between 3 November – 3 December but may close earlier if volumes are high
• If your initial application is successful, you will be invited to complete a video interview in December.
• If your video interview is successful, you will be invited to an Assessment Centre which will take place in March.

Werecognisethat AI tools can assist in writing and editing, helping to improve your grammar and overall style, however it's important to consider that reliance on AI tools can lead to applications sounding inauthentic. At British Airways we want your personality to shine through, therefore, we recommend avoiding the use of AI to increase the success of your application.