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
You’ll earn your stripes working alongside some of the best Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) engineers in the industry. They’ll help you to develop your engineering skills, whilst carrying out aircraft and components inspections on aircraft in the ‘ramp’ and ‘hangar’ as well as components in our technical workshops. You’ll be learning different skills, inspection techniques and processes so you understand the nature of a highly sophisticated engineering discipline. Every day will feel new, and you’re going to be busy. As well as training on the job, you’ll be studying for the qualifications you need to become one of our future approved NDT Technicians.
You will be based at London Heathrow and training will be delivered by Lavender International, you will study three NDT methods at Level 2 (Personnel Certification in Non-Destructive Testing), including at least one complex method, working towards your Level 3 Technician Apprenticeship. You will also gain on the job training with the Engineering NDT department at Heathrow, working alongside our specialist NDT engineers supporting the British Airways operation.
The apprenticeship focuses on Quality Assurance, Health and Safety, Project Management and Leadership, as well as providing the ability to apply inspection techniques in three methods, selecting appropriate methods of inspection and understanding their limitations as well as producing NDT data reports for specialist engineer to determine the appropriate repair scheme.
We will also supplement your learning with additional Aircraft related training in Air Legislation, Human Factors and Aircraft composite and structural repairs.
For further information on the apprenticeship, please click on the link below -
https://youtu.be/mpJxNDlA7ZE?si=h1oj-OCB7L5VqqN6
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 but not crucial (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. Above all, a genuine passion for engineering.
What's in it for you?
Looking to join our apprenticeship scheme? You won't be disappointed. Recently being ranked in Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer Awards, we can't wait to welcome you into the British Airways family.
We have many benefits for apprentices at British Airways, here are a handful to showcase the diversity of our apprentice community:
- Part of our 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 bold sustainability vision, volunteering an active role to champion specific community groups including LGBTQ+ 'Flying Proud' and ethnic minority network 'BeMe'
- 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, empower and mentor students and support their potential to gain employment in the industry we love
- Access to heavily discounted flights to globe trot (with the opportunity to fly in style in our business class seats), 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 online tests, you will be invited to complete a short video interview and application questions 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.
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 January
- If your video interview is successful, you will be invited to an Assessment Centre which will take place in March/April 2026
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.”
For more information about our Aircraft Workshop Apprenticeship scheme, click here: https://careers.ba.com/aircraft-workshop-fleet
