At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn and work on real aircraft while gaining essential engineering skills.
- Company: Join British Airways, a leader in aviation with a vibrant apprentice community.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounted flights, generous leave, and a supportive network of fellow apprentices.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainability and community engagement.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in aviation with hands-on experience and professional qualifications.
- Qualifications: Minimum grade 5 in Maths; passion for engineering and safety awareness required.
The predicted salary is between 16000 - 22400 £ per year.
Duration: 3 Years
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 involves working alongside and learning from talented engineers. You will develop your skills on real aircraft, in a real job. Over a series of placements, you will work on all aircraft fleets, gaining the experience and knowhow to help keep them in perfect working order. You will receive comprehensive on-the-job training while studying towards the qualifications needed to become an Aircraft Maintenance Technician.
The initial induction for this Apprenticeship will take place at our London Heathrow base. For the majority of the first year, you will be based off-site and living away from home, where you will train and study towards your CAA Part-66 Category A Licence Modules under Apprenticeship Standard ST1315 Aircraft Engineering Technician Level 3 (Regulated Route). During your time away from Heathrow, complimentary accommodation will be provided close to your training base. In years two and three, you will return to our Heathrow Base to work alongside our engineers with the potential to be placed in one of our other UK operational bases. You will continue to study towards CAA Part-66 Category A Licence Modules and your End Point Assessment.
Please note: For those aged 18 and over when based at Heathrow in years two and three, work will follow a 12-hour shift pattern — days (06:00–18:00), nights (18:00–06:00), or a mix of both — on a 4 on / 4 off rotation.
About You
We are looking for a minimum of a grade 5 (B) in Maths. English and Science GCSE at grade 9 – 4 (A* - C) is desirable; we accept predicted grades but they must be achieved by the apprenticeship. A strong communicator with an awareness for safety, a self-starter, and the ability to adapt to change is essential. Above all, a genuine passion for engineering and aviation is required. If you are already studying towards or have studied an engineering qualification, you are welcome to apply.
Following your application, we will conduct a skills scan of your experience and prior qualifications to check your eligibility for apprenticeship funding.
What’s in it for you?
Joining our apprenticeship scheme offers many benefits:
- Be part of the British Airways apprentice network and community, engaging with apprentices from all schemes in the business.
- Involvement in our ambitious sustainability vision, volunteering an active role to champion specific community groups including LGBTQ+ 'Flying Proud' and black excellence 'BeMe'.
- Participation in Community Investment programmes, taking part in fundraising challenges for partnership charities.
- Volunteering in schools and colleges to inspire and motivate students.
- Access to heavily discounted flights and a generous annual leave entitlement.
Further Information & Next Steps
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 recommend reading about each apprenticeship scheme before applying as only your first application will be considered. If successful, 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.
At British Airways, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Diverse representation among our people is important to us, and we recognise that all colleagues are uniquely different. Inclusion and diversity drive innovation, and we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels they can be themselves.
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 in March.
Apprentice – Aircraft Maintenance Heathrow Autumn 2026 employer: British Airways
British Airways is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic apprenticeship programme at London Heathrow that combines hands-on experience with comprehensive training. As part of a supportive community, apprentices benefit from discounted flights, generous leave, and opportunities for personal growth while contributing to meaningful sustainability initiatives. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, British Airways fosters a culture where every individual can thrive and make a real impact in the aviation industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice – Aircraft Maintenance Heathrow Autumn 2026
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with British Airways for a Apprentice – Aircraft Maintenance Heathrow Autumn 2026. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice – Aircraft Maintenance Heathrow Autumn 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at British Airways, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At British Airways, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Airways
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with British Airways.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with British Airways. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like British Airways love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
