BA launches 2020 graduate scheme

Courtesy British Airways

British Airways is on the lookout for ambitious and adventurous graduates to help implement its £6.5 billion transformation programme.

The airline is offering three different graduate programmes; Finance, Data and Future Leaders. Each three-year programme rotates successful applicants around the business, offering world-class training and challenging project work including responsibility for high-level decision-making; last year the airline received 200 applications for every place on one of its programmes.

In contrast to the traditional finance schemes offered by other graduate employers, the successful applicants hand-picked to join British Airways’ Finance Programme could be responsible for completing the purchase of one of 73 brand-new aircraft the airline is taking delivery of over the next five years, while also completing an industry-recognised qualification.

Using next-generation tools and insight, graduates on the Data Programme will be given the opportunity to work on multi-million pounds investment projects, whilst those landing a place on the Future Leaders Programme will gain a professional leadership qualification at the same time as setting up a new route for the airline or leading a 75-strong team of cabin crew to inspire the best service in the sky.

Current Future Leader graduate Jonathan Forber was part of the team responsible for the new partnership between British Airways and gourmet hospitality company Do&Co; a multi-million pounds investment in fine dining for the airline. He said he was astounded by the opportunities he’s been given while on the scheme: “I’ve lost count of the number of ‘pinch-me’ moments I’ve had since starting British Airways. My university mates who are on graduate schemes at the usual consultancy groups and accounting firms tell me how jealous they are of what I do. The airline industry is so fast-paced and complex that there’s never a dull moment and, of course, also the opportunities to travel the world are absolutely amazing.”

“Our unique graduate opportunities offer real responsibility from day one” said Helen Alkin, British Airways’ Head of Emerging Talent. “We’re looking for incredible talent; people who aren’t afraid to tackle any challenge we give them. This is a really exciting time to join the airline as we invest more than ever before for our customers and transform our business.”

In addition to its graduate opportunities British Airways offers a diverse range of routes into the airline, from work experience placements to apprenticeships and business placements. Now, in a UK airline first, British Airways has launched a summer internship programme for 2020, offering university students an eight-week insight into the complex aviation industry, a competitive salary and the opportunity to gain new experience and skills.


For more information and to apply, visit: careers.ba.com