Aspiring Leader Review
at British Airways
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Project Management
London, UK
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.1 /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!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
2.6/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
Day to day things vary depending on where you are placed. You could be working on a large transformation project which will have a big impact to the business. You could be reviewing data to assess safety, or in the terminal helping our customers to have the best start to their journey! Other days you’re working on your university work, studying or writing your assessments.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
The program is good and you have the opportunity to see so many areas of the business working with some fantastic teams. There are placements which you enjoy less than others but still takeaway great skills. There has been some frustration over the presence of the line manager being stretched too thin however they always ensure your well-being and are happy to be contacted.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes! Many skills have been developed. The fundamental skills of running meetings, stakeholder engagement all the way through to the project management skills and communication skills. Others skills related to placements include, automation, analytical skills. I also had the opportunity to complete my NEBOSH Cert which is a great qualification to have!
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
The program structure has changed many times since the start. This was to be expected as the first ever cohort. Communications around placements have been last minute leading to some stress and uncertainty. The university have been fairly flexible in allowing us some movement to change our study days to allow for work events.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
2/5
The support has varied. The placement managers have been fantastic with so much support to ensure you can unlock the full potential of the placement. The support from the apprenticeship team has been a tad on the weaker side. For pastoral issues they are great however 121 and end of year reviews are regularly missed or rearrange
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The support from BNU has been varied. The start of the programme was quite turbulent. Now we are ending the programming the uni have been more accommodating and have provided a lot more support! The cohorts below are reporting an improved experience. The EPA was unclear at the start but has improved greatly!
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
It definitely has! The theories and knowledge has really supported the development in the job. Using action inquiry and finance has provided a better understanding of how to conduct research and understanding a businesses financial position.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There aren’t that many, there are colleague network groups such as flying proud for LGBT+ colleagues. The apprenticeship team do hold an annual conference to network and there are opportunities to go to schools to develop talks on the alternative approaches instead of going to universities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend British Airways to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Despite the turbulent times (excuse the pun) the scheme has proved to be really valuable. The skills and knowledge I’ve learnt from the placement managers and the trust they have instilled in me has been extraordinary! If you want to develop new skills, network and have a fully funded degree then it’s a good scheme! - staff travel is also a very good benefit!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to British Airways?
Be yourself. Be happy to challenge the status quo with new ideas and always be inquisitive! In the interviews stand out! Have an interesting fun fact or hobby. Have some work experience to show your passion and do some research on BA!
