Business Professional Apprentice Review
at British Airways
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Hounslow
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.2 /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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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:
4/5
For the first year of my role, I am able to choose three different areas of the business to be in - each for four months. These are all head office roles and as your placements will be unique to you, every day will be different. Day-to-day activity will vary depending on your placement. For the last two years of the apprenticeship, I'll be able to choose an area that I want to carry out the rest of my apprenticeship in and earn a qualification that matches.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy the programme I'm on. I love the rotational aspect of it as you get to test-try different areas of the business, for example: marketing, data, recruitment. We have a study day every week to complete the apprenticeship side of the programme as well as workshops spread throughout the year. Hybrid working is also an opportunity if your team works from home so that can create a nice balance too.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I've developed on my communication skills, events organising / project management skills. Furthermore, improving my presentational skills and confidence was one of my goals which I feel like I've had the opportunity to build up.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
It is very organised, you're provided with all of your workshop dates as soon as you start so you know how to base annual leave around it. Study days are also outlined from the beginning with touch-in calls with the learning provider to explain what work is expected of the day. Furthermore, there are progress reviews with each of your placement managers to ensure everything is going okay and that you are being given enough opportunity to fulfil the objectives required by the apprenticeship. Support from your manager is always there too.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
There's always support available if you ask for it. For example, if you are interested in shadowing an area or want a placement somewhere that wasn't intially offering one then your manager will try their best to sort this out for you. There's also compulsory 1-1's with your manager so in case you may be too shy to ask for help with something, this gives you the perfect opportunity to do so as well as discuss your future options.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My training provider has a call every Friday with my whole cohort group to touch base and check that everyone is on track. There's then the opportunity to book in time with her one-to-one to discuss anything you want help with or if there's anything you don't understand she will go through it with you in detail. The training provider also is really good at making sure we are hitting the necessary objectives. For example, if finance and budgeting wasn't involved in your first placement then the learning provider will ensure that you are exposed to it within your next two placements so that you can receive the qualification.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I think that it creates the base knowledge for a lot of things that are important going into a role, for example knowing about data protection laws and confidentiality. There are some parts which are less useful as they may not be applicable to you and your current role and so they're not being used as much as other skills, however in contrast, some things you may not have learnt yet and therefore will prepare you better for your next role such as learning the basics of excel.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
As apprentices we have the Apprentice Forum which is an annual networking and learning event where all apprentices come together for the day, however there aren't many other networking events for apprentices. There's always volunteering opportunities to get involved with at schools, career fairs etc so this can be really insightful and a way to do something different. Furthermore, in the office, external companies will come in and set up stands where you can go and buy: perfumes, bags, food, jewellery which creates a nice environment to work in as there's always something to do if you wish to take a break.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend British Airways to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It's a really good company to work for - the perks the company offers in regards to travel is a nice luxury to have and they are very welcoming to new talent coming in.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to British Airways?
Show your passion for working for the company, show you're committed to their values and goals and show that you understand the work and effort that goes into an apprenticeship.
