At a Glance
- Tasks: Dive into data science, analysing trends and driving decisions in the dynamic airline industry.
- Company: Join British Airways, a leader in aviation with a commitment to innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, discounted flights, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant apprentice community and engage in sustainability and community initiatives.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while studying towards a BSc in Data Science.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus 3 A Levels with a minimum of 128 UCAS points.
The predicted salary is between 27611 - 27611 £ per year.
Salary: £27,611
Location: London Heathrow
Application Closing Date: 19th November 2026
Start Date: September 2027
Airlines are complex, everchanging and data rich, which means that the industry provides one of the most varied and interesting places for data and analytics professionals to work. Projects like tracking flight revenue against commercial targets, or measuring the impact on a change in fares, requires a creative approach identifying and exploiting value from current and new data sources, applying advanced analytical techniques and visualisations.
You will join our Data and AI team, who have exceptional technical skills and first-class business knowledge, using techniques from the fields of data science, data engineering and data visualisation. The Data and AI team work with different directorates across our business to collate, cleanse and analyse different data to produce reports to drive strategic decision making across BA.
As part of the programme, you will study towards a BSc in Data Science with our chosen training provider Northeastern University (NCH).
About you
We are looking for GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 9 -4 (A*- C) or equivalent. As well as hold or be predicted to hold 3 A Levels totalling a minimum of 128 UCAS points (equivalent to ABB), with a minimum grade of B at A Level Maths, or equivalent. A practical thinker with a customer focus, you’ll need to be good with numbers and communicate with our colleagues in an engaging way.
What's in it for you?
- Increase in salary after you have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, if completed in line with your development objectives.
- Part of the British Airways apprentice network and community, with the opportunity to engage with apprentices from all schemes in the business and learn from former apprentices.
- Involvement in our ambitious sustainability vision, volunteering an active role to champion specific community groups including LGBTQ+ 'Flying Proud' and ethnic minority colleague network Be ME.
- Involvement in Community Investment programmes, taking part in fundraising challenges for partnership charities, supporting causes close to your heart.
- Volunteering in schools and colleges sharing personal experiences to inspire, motivate and coach students and support their potential to gain employment in the industry we love.
- Access to heavily discounted flights to globe trot, and a generous annual leave entitlement to turn your bucket list into reality.
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, including all online tests, 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.
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. Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.
Recruitment Process and Timelines
- Step 1 – Click apply to visit our Discover & Prep hub. You will need to complete a Pre-Application Task before you apply.
- Step 2 - Once you have completed the activities on our Discover & Prep hub, you can begin your application.
- Step 3 – Once your application has been submitted, you will be invited to complete some online assessments.
- Step 4 – Successful candidates will then be invited to complete a Video Interview to assess your motivation and fit for the role. You will be invited to this stage in November.
- Step 5 - If you reach the final stage, you will be invited to Waterside for an Assessment Centre. This is due to be in January/February 2027.
Want to stand out? Try our British Airways Data Science Simulation, on Forage. It’s a free, interactive experience that gives you a taste of the role and helps you build skills for your application. You’ll even earn a certificate to showcase in interviews!
We recognise that AI tools can assist in writing and editing, helping to improve your grammar and overall style, however it's important to consider that reliance on AI tools can lead to applications sounding inauthentic. At British Airways we want your personality to shine through, therefore, we recommend avoiding the use of AI to increase the success of your application.
Apprentice - Data Science in Longford employer: British Airways
British Airways is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of the aviation industry. As a Lead Product Data Scientist, you will have access to cutting-edge technology and significant opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to impactful projects that enhance operational efficiency. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on delivering measurable business value, British Airways provides a rewarding environment for those looking to make a difference in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice - Data Science in Longford
✨Get Involved in Data Science Communities
Dive into online forums like Kaggle or GitHub where data science enthusiasts hang out. Participating in competitions or contributing to open-source projects can really make you stand out and show off your skills!
✨Tap Into University Resources
Your uni career services are gold mines for apprenticeships! Attend any workshops or career fairs they host; you might just bump into employers looking to scout fresh talent for programmes like the one at British Airways.
✨Work on Real-World Data Projects
Create your own data science projects or collaborate with classmates on interesting datasets. This not only sharpens your skills but also gives you something to showcase during interviews, setting you apart from the competition.
✨Show Off Your Passion
Don’t just rely on formal applications! Write blog posts about your data science journey or share insights on social media. This can catch the eye of British Airways and show them you’re genuinely passionate about the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice - Data Science in Longford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Skills:For a data science apprenticeship, make sure to highlight your skills in statistics, programming (especially Python or R), and data visualisation tools. Mention any relevant projects or coursework where you've applied these skills, even if it’s just in a school setting!
Tailor Your Motivation:In your cover letter, focus on why you want to dive into data science specifically. Share how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals and learning aspirations. Remember, this is about showing us at British Airways that you're eager to learn and grow in the data field!
Portfolio Power!:Even if it's an apprenticeship, having a small portfolio of your data projects can set you apart. Include any analyses, visualisations, or data science-related tasks you’ve completed, whether on your own or as part of your studies. This shows that you've got hands-on experience, which is super appealing.
Keep It Relevant and Concise:Your CV should be focused and relevant – keep it to one page if possible! Tailor it for the data science role by including specific coursework, skills, and any experience with data handling. If you’ve done any data-related activities in clubs or competitions, throw those in too—every bit counts!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Airways
✨Brush Up on the Basics
Before your interview with British Airways, we need to nail down the fundamentals of statistics and machine learning. As an apprenticeship candidate, they’ll be keen on your understanding of key concepts—so make sure you can talk about linear regression, classification, and maybe even some hands-on work with tools like Python or R.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring any portfolios or projects you've worked on that highlight your data analysis skills. Even if they're for school or personal projects, being able to demonstrate how you approached a problem, analysed data, and derived insights will give you a leg up. Don't just talk about the data—show them what you've done with it!
✨Get Comfortable with Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions that test your problem-solving skills! You might be asked to explain how you would approach a specific dataset or solve a classic data challenge. Practise explaining your thought processes clearly, as this will showcase your analytical abilities as well as your ability to communicate complex ideas.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, your eagerness to learn is your biggest asset. Be prepared to discuss what you're looking to gain from the apprenticeship at British Airways. Whether it's mastering new programming tools or applying theoretical knowledge to real-life problems, let them know you're all about growing your skills and contributing to the team!
