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- Tasks: Support the Operations Control Centre and ensure flights operate safely and on time.
- Company: Join British Airways, a leader in the aviation industry with a focus on teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff travel perks, competitive salary, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in aviation while earning a Level 3 qualification.
- Qualifications: Passion for aviation, planning skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
- Other info: Dynamic apprenticeship with extensive training and real-world exposure.
Duration: This is for a fixed term contract initially for 18 months.
Location: Didsbury Manchester
Application Closing Date: 10th October 2025
Start Date: February 2026
The role – Operations Assistant Apprentice
As an Operations Assistant Apprentice your key role will be to support the Operational Control Centre (OCC) Team. You\’ll be coordinating and planning all the daily operational activities essential to ensuring all BA Cityflyer flights are operated safely in accordance with the company requirements and on time performance, minimising delays and disruption to customers and crew.
This is an approved apprenticeship scheme whereby the successful candidate will study an established curriculum whilst fulfilling the duties of an Operations Assistant within the Operations Control Centre.
It takes a carefully coordinated team effort to ensure our customers depart on time, all the time. BA Cityflyer colleagues in the Operations Control Centre all play their part. You\’ll gain experience across the department and will learn how to operate our different systems, gaining a full understanding of how we deal with disruption and keep flights on schedule.
With extensive training, support and hands on experience, the programme will give you everything you need to gain an apprenticeship as an Aviation Ground Specialist.
The Programme
The Operations Assistant Apprenticeship is delivered by our training provider Crosby Aviation. This apprenticeship will consist of 18 months of on the job training along with classroom and online learning.
On completion of your apprenticeship you\’ll be awarded a Level 3 Aviation Ground Specialist qualification which is internationally recognised and progressing to further opportunities within the Company.
The Apprenticeship will provide you with the opportunity to learn about a variety of aviation topics including:
- Flying Programme Management
- Crew Control – rules and regulations
- Meteorology
- Flight planning
- Aircraft Performance
- Maintenance requirements
- Human Factors
You\’ll also learn about the wider industry and the airline itself through visits and conferences.
What you\’ll do:
- Complete training to meet the Aviation Ground Specialist apprenticeship standard.
- Provide general support within the COC to enable the Operations/Crew Controller to maintain focus on contingency planning.
- Work with the Crew Controllers monitoring irregular operations ensuring crew are operating within EASA regulations and company scheduling agreements
- Ensuring crew duties, sickness and fatigue issues are reported and logged
- Maintain aircraft tracking in the AIMS Operations Control System to ensure accurate real time information is available to the COC
- Liaise with internal and external customers around the network to ensure accurate and timely flow of information in / out of the COC
- Monitor airport runway slots, action cancellations and amendments as required.
- Monitor weather trends at all operational airports
- Capture disruption information to defend and assist in the defence of EU261 claims
What you\’ll bring to BA Cityflyer:
We\’re looking for candidates who have a keen interest in the aviation industry, you\’ll need to be able to demonstrate effective planning and organising skills, and the ability to prioritise your own workload.
You\’ll need to demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills, perseverance with the ability of seeing tasks through to completion along with excellent interpersonal skills (both verbal and written).
- Experience in working with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, Powerpoint) is essential
- GCSE\’s Grade C or above, or equivalent in Maths & English
- The ability to work shifts (12 hour shifts) supporting a 24 hour operation
What we offer:
We believe that all the people who work with us should feel valued for the part they play. It\’s one of the reasons our rewards go far beyond a competitive salary.
From the day you join us, you\’ll get access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights. You\’ll also receive up to 30 discounted Hotline\’ airfares per year for yourself, friends, and family.
At British Airways you\’ll have the chance to take on new challenges and move forward in a way that feels right for you. We encourage all those who work for us to consider opportunities right across our business to help you develop and progress.
We never stand still, and we don\’t expect our people to either.
Inclusion & Diversity
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.
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 by the deadline given
- Due to high volumes of applications, you may only apply for one apprenticeship programme. We would recommend for 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.
Timelines for this recruitment process
- Initial applications open between 24 September – 10 October but may close earlier if volumes are high
- If your initial application is successful, you will be invited to complete a video interview in October
- If your video interview is successful, you will be invited to an Assessment Centre which will take place on 10 th November 2025, this will take place in person at our Head Office, Didsbury, Manchester.
- Applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom
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BA Cityflyer Operations Assistant Apprentice employer: British Airways PLC
Contact Detail:
British Airways PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land BA Cityflyer Operations Assistant Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research BA Cityflyer and understand their values, mission, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for your video interview by rehearsing common questions and scenarios related to the role. We recommend recording yourself to see how you come across and make adjustments where needed.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the application process and what it’s really like to work at BA Cityflyer. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a small gesture that can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace BA Cityflyer Operations Assistant Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. It’ll give you a clear idea of what we’re looking for and help you tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
Show Your Passion for Aviation: We want to see your enthusiasm for the aviation industry! In your application, share any experiences or interests that demonstrate your passion. Whether it’s a hobby, a project, or even just a love for flying, let us know!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the application process right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Airways PLC
✨Know Your Aviation Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of aviation topics like flight planning and meteorology. This will show your genuine interest in the industry and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully solved problems or managed disruptions. This is crucial for the Operations Assistant role, so be ready to discuss how you can handle unexpected situations.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Microsoft Office
Since experience with Microsoft Office is essential, make sure you're comfortable using Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. You might be asked about how you’ve used these tools in previous roles, so have some examples ready.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
The role requires effective teamwork, so be prepared to talk about your experiences working in a team. Highlight how you contribute to group efforts and support your colleagues, especially in high-pressure situations.
