Apprentice - Engineering Supply Chain

British Airways; Hounslow; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

A major airline company is seeking an Apprentice Material Supplier at their London Heathrow location. The role includes hands-on experience in logistics, ensuring engineers have the necessary materials for aircraft maintenance. Candidates should possess strong self-motivation and communication skills. Previous academic performance, particularly in English and Maths, is a plus. This opportunity comes with various benefits, including increased salary after the first apprenticeship year and heavily discounted flights.

Benefits

Increased salary after the first year

Part of an apprentice network

Access to discounted flights

Generous annual leave

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English and Maths are desirable but not crucial.
• Strong communicator with a self-starting attitude.
• Awareness of safety and ability to adapt to change.

Responsibilities

• Support logistics and inventory management.
• Ensure engineers have the right parts at the right time.
• Engage in comprehensive on-the-job training.

Skills

Strong self-motivation

Communication

Adaptability

Passion for engineering and aviation

Education

3 GCSEs including English and Maths at grade 9-4 (A*-C)

Job description

Duration: 15 Months

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 incredible people who support our engineering operation around the globe. Every day, you’ll develop your skills in a worldwide logistics operation, shipping aircraft components to our UK maintenance bases and overseas line stations. Over a series of placements, you’ll work in different areas of logistics and inventory management, gaining the experience and know‑how to help keep materials flowing to our engineers and aircraft. You’re going to be busy. Alongside comprehensive on‑the‑job training, you’ll be studying towards the qualifications you need to become one of our future Material Suppliers.

This is a hands‑on role as an Apprentice Material Supplier, based at our London Heathrow base, working on a shift pattern that reflects the 24/7 nature of aviation. You’ll play a key part in making sure our engineers have the right parts at the right time, directly supporting aircraft maintenance and keeping our operation moving.

About You

We are looking for a strong teammate and above all, a strong self‑motivation. 3 GCSEs including English and Maths GCSE at grade 9‑4 (A*‑C) is desirable but not crucial.

A strong communicator with an awareness of safety, a self‑starter and the ability to adapt to change. Above all, a genuine passion for engineering and aviation.

What’s in it for you?

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

• 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:

• 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 apprenticeship programme. We would recommend you to read about each apprenticeship scheme before applying as only your first application will be considered
• 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 you fail to submit by the deadline, your application will be automatically withdrawn

Don’t forget to keep an eye on our main event page on the careers website to see any events you can join to find out more information and top tips, as well as which upcoming events we will be attending.

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 2026

We recognise that 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.