Head Office Apprentice Review
at British Airways
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Harmondsworth
Review Submitted: March 2021
Overall Rating
4.6 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
My apprenticeship has given me a great opportunity to broaden my skills. I have had placements in a wide variety of different business areas including: Safety and Security, Customer Relations, HR as well as an placement working in Venture Capital. All of the placement managers have been fantastic, and very supporitng. Everyday is different so nothing ever gets boring.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship program, I've especially enjoyed the rotational aspect to it; this is something that many other companies do not offer. I feel that the support I have recieved from both apprentice and placement managers has been fantastic. The work I have completed has been very varied, which has kept the programme interesting. Tasks I have completed, have also been important to the operation of the business; this has helped me feel like a valued member of the company.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Due to the broad nature of my apprenticeship I have learnt alot of new skills. I feel that my confidence has grown as a result of the work I have completed. Some of the important skills I have learnt are how to manage, and complete administrative tasks with bespoke systems, as well as an understanding of the needs of both internal and external customers. I have also learnt how to present and negotiate with large groups, including senior members of the business.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme has generally been organised, with good communication from managers. Our course hasn't followed its original structure, and we have ocassionally had to support the business in different areas and departments. This is arguably not the fault of the business, as Coronavirus is mostly to blame. Overall though I would say that placements have been well structured, and managers have been keen to ensure that all of the assesment criteria of our qualification is met.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The help and support I have recieved from everyone I have worked with has been fantastic. Every manager has been very caring, and happy to go above and beyond to help wherever they can, whether that be; help with coursework, questions and queries, help completing tasks in placements or even moral support.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I have recieved lots of help and support from the training provider. They have been very good at helping me with my coursework, and quickly answer any questions. We have regular one to one's with the training provider who support us through our qualification. They are happy to tailor the work to each individual, and work quicker through the course if need be.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel that I have learnt alot of transferable skills from my qualification. I would say that the research I have completed for assignments has been useful in placements. Researching and writing about my role as well as different types of working and mangement styles has allowed me to consider different ways of working and tackling a project.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are alot of different extra curricular activities encouraged by the business such as football teams and charity events. The head office also encourages you to socialise with other employees, this is due to facilities such as coffee shops, gym and hairdressers. Apprentices in years above have also made an effort to create social events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend British Airways to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would 100% reccomend the British Airways Head Office Apprenticeship to a freind. This is due to the broad nature of the course, which allows you to learn about a lot of different areas of the business. I would also say that the management are keen to make sure that everyone fits in, and are supported.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to British Airways?
I would suggest that anyone applying for an apprenticeship with British Airways emphasises that they are willing to work hard, learn new things and adapt to change. I would also suggest that they research the business and have some knowledge of how it operates. An understanding of the airline industry as a whole is also useful.
