Graduate, Business Placements & Internship programmes

Whether we’re introducing next-generation technology to our aircraft, or committing to a bold new sustainability strategy, when British Airways takes a step forward the world takes notice.

Our graduate programmes, business placements and internships offer a chance to join a dynamic and diverse team that’s playing a lead role in the future of flying.

Whatever you’re studying, we’ll have a programme that’s right for you. You’ll need to bring passion though, and have the desire to make a difference.

Our programmes

Operations Planning

This is the part of our airline that’s responsible for putting the right people, in the right roles, at the best possible time and cost. You’ll learn how to make data-driven decisions to help British Airways meet its changing needs. With three placements across two years, you’ll rotate through planning and delivery roles within either Airports, Flight Crew, Cabin Crew, or Resource Allocation for Customer Service roles at London Heathrow.

Data Analytics

Our two-year Data Science and Commercial Analytics programmes require graduates to provide senior leaders with the necessary metrics and insights they need to make decisions affecting everything from the pricing of flights to corporate client deals. We require a minimum of a 2:2 degree, either achieved or predicted, within either Numerical, Data Science, Advanced Analytics, Applied Statistics or Computer Science. You must have achieved a minimum of grade B at A-Level Maths, or equivalent.

Finance

You’ll be at the heart of decision-making that’s enabling the growth of British Airways. We have influential Finance teams in every department, and you’ll make the most of your three-year placement with three different roles. You could be influencing investment decisions across our onboard products, analysing network growth opportunities, or negotiating with our suppliers to ensure cost competitiveness. We’ll also sponsor and support you to gain a professional finance qualification.

Future Leaders

It’s the role of our leaders to inspire colleagues and help turn original ideas into reality. Our three-year Future Leaders placement is focused on sharpening your strategic thinking. You’ll manage stakeholders, lead projects, and deliver high-quality work to deadlines. This scheme also provides the opportunity to gain professional qualifications. If you join our Future Leaders programme, it means we’ve seen something really special in you.

Internships

If you’re a university student who is passionate to learn more about the aviation industry, or if you’re just curious to see where you might fit in at an airline like ours, a 10-week internship is a great way to start. We encourage applicants from any degree discipline, and when you join you’ll have a chance to choose roles you’re really interested in. Our people welcome new and original ideas, so you’ll be given lots of responsibility once you arrive.

Business Placements

Our 11-month business placements are designed to help ambitious students develop into business professionals. You’ll develop your commercial thinking and get the chance to make a real difference to our business through live projects. You can apply if you’re a second-year student undertaking an industrial placement in your third year of studies. Placements take place at London Heathrow as part of our Future Leader programme, or in Barry, Cardiff, as part of our British Airways Engineering Wales programme.

Engineering

We currently have two graduate opportunities within our Engineering operation, both based at London Heathrow. If you come from an Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering discipline, you can join our Technical programme, where you may be part of a new cabin design. Our Planning & Supply Chain programme means you could be helping to decide which aircraft enter and leave the business, or assisting with the maintenance schedule for our long and short-haul fleets. We accept graduates from any degree on this placement.

Commercial Business

The perfect programme to showcase your entrepreneurial spirit. Completing three 12-month placements across commercial departments including Revenue Management, Sales, Digital Product & Experience, Commercial Strategy, Retail & CRM and Distribution, you’ll gain an understanding of how our airline drives revenue and makes profit. To enable your leadership growth, we’re offering a variety of structured learning courses with a professional qualification as part of this scheme.

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Be first to find out about graduate, business placement and internship opportunities by using our job alerts. You can create an account using the link below. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to set up your alerts subscription.

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Prepare for take off

While we’re searching for great young talent to join us, it’s important to remember we aren’t looking for the finished article. However, there are some things you can do to make your application really stand out. You can find our top tips below.

Do your research

While we’re extremely excited about our future, we’re also hugely proud of our pioneering past. Knowing a bit about our history and our groundbreaking achievements will really impress us.

Sell yourself, don’t be shy

Now is not the time to be modest. We want to hear all about your achievements, understand what motivates you, and know what it is that you can bring to help us on our journey.

Think about our values

Originality is the spirit that’s taking us forward. That means we celebrate individuality and welcome people who bring new ideas to the table. We’re inclusive and forward-thinking in our approach. If you can demonstrate you share these values, we’re ready to welcome you on board.

Use the STAR technique

That’s Situation, Task, Action, Result. You can use this method to respond to questions in your interview or application. Tell us about the situation you had to deal with, the task you were given to do, the action you took, and what happened as a result.

What do we look for in our future colleagues?

We believe it’s talent, not background, that determines an individual's career. We champion a culture of belonging where colleagues can be themselves. However, there are some traits that can really help you thrive at British Airways. These include a professional and positive attitude, being reliable and punctual, as well as motivated and resilient.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Register for job alerts

Be first to find out about our latest vacancies by using our job alerts. You can create an account here. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to set up your vacancy alerts subscription.

Create an Alert