Apprentice - Business

British Airways plc; Longford; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary increase after year 1

Apprentice network and community

Sustainability and community networks

Community Investment programmes

Volunteering and mentoring

Discounted flights

Job summary

British Airways offers a three-year apprenticeship programme at London Heathrow. The first year includes two placements across operations and Head Office, plus study toward a Business Administration qualification.

After Year 1, you’ll be guided into a specialist pathway in Years 2 and 3, such as Project Management, Data, People, Learning and Development, Marketing or Continuous Improvement. We seek strong communicators who are organised, adaptable and self-motivated.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and organisational skills are essential.
• Ability to adapt to change and stay motivated.
• English and Maths GCSE at grade 9-4 (A*-C) is desirable but not crucial.

Responsibilities

• Complete two placements in the first year to gain broad BA experience.
• Study towards a Business Administration qualification alongside placements.
• In Years 2 and 3, be matched to a specialist pathway aligned to BA business needs.

Skills

Strong communicator

Organised

Adaptable

Self-motivated

Education

GCSE English & Maths (desirable)

Job description

Duration: Three Years

Salary: Salary will be from £19,906,

Location: London Heathrow

Application Closing Date: 19th November 2026

Start Date: September 2027

The programme

During the first 12 months of the programme, you will complete two placements designed to give you a broad understanding of British Airways. This includes exposure to both operational and Head Office environments, helping you build business knowledge, stakeholder management skills and an understanding of how different parts of the organisation work together.

Alongside your placements, you will study towards a Business Administration qualification. Upon successful completion of Year 1, we will assess your strengths, performance and development interests alongside future business skill requirements to identify the most suitable specialist pathway.

In Years 2 and 3, you will be matched to a specialist business area and apprenticeship qualification aligned to future capability needs across British Airways. Specialist pathways may include areas such as Project Management, Data, People, Learning and Development, Marketing and Continuous Improvement. This provides the opportunity to develop deeper expertise, build professional networks and gain valuable experience supporting key business priorities across the organisation.

About You

We are looking for a strong communicator who is organised, intuitive and has the ability to adapt to change. Above all, strong self-motivation. English and Maths GCSE at grade 9-4 (A*-C) is desirable but not crucial.

What's in it for you?

Looking to join our apprenticeship scheme? You won't be disappointed. Recently being ranked in 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:

• Increase in salary after you have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, if completed in line with your development objectives

• 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, 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:

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.