This is our own independent research from public sources. The employer hasn't reviewed, paid for or approved it.
Key figures
- Pay on the Level 6 Data Science apprenticeship (2027 intake)
- £27,611
- Source: British Airways (opens in a new tab)
- Pay on the four-year Licensed Aircraft Engineer apprenticeships
- £17,339
- Source: British Airways (opens in a new tab)
- UK airports with apprentices: Heathrow, Gatwick, Glasgow and Cardiff
- 4
- Source: British Airways (opens in a new tab)
Overview
British Airways runs apprenticeships at four UK airports. Here’s what it lists for its 2027 intake.
Programmes
| Programme | Length | Where | Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow Aircraft Maintenance | 3 years | Heathrow | £16,000 |
| Licensed Aircraft Engineer | 4 years | Gatwick, Glasgow, Cardiff | £17,339 |
| Wales Aircraft Systems and Components | 3 years | Cardiff | £15,643 |
| Aircraft Workshop | 3.5 years | Heathrow | £17,339 |
| Aircraft Mechanic | 2 years | Heathrow | £16,000 |
| Engineering Supply Chain | 18 months | Heathrow | £17,339 |
| Business | 3 years | Heathrow | £19,906 |
| Data Science (Level 6) | 3.5 years | Heathrow | £27,611 |
Entry requirements
They vary by programme. Heathrow Aircraft Maintenance needs maths at grade 5, licensed engineer routes need Level 3 maths and physics, and Data Science needs three A levels with at least a B in maths. Some programmes take you from 16 and others from 18.
Perks
BA lists heavily discounted flights for you, your friends and family, and 22 days’ annual leave.
What they do
British Airways flies passengers and cargo around the world from its main base at London Heathrow. Its apprentices work in aircraft maintenance and engineering, workshops, supply chain, business and data science.
Apprenticeships they offer
-
Heathrow Aircraft Maintenance
Aircraft maintenance
Includes Level 2 and 3 engineering qualifications, with off-site training and accommodation. Age 16 by the start, with maths at grade 5.
-
Licensed Aircraft Engineer (Gatwick, Glasgow, Cardiff)
Aircraft engineering
Needs Level 3 maths and physics or equivalent.
-
Wales Aircraft Systems and Components
Aircraft components, Cardiff Airport
Age 16 by the start, with grade C in maths, English and a science.
-
Aircraft Workshop
Heathrow
Needs maths at grade 5 (B).
-
Aircraft Mechanic
Heathrow
Age 18 by the start.
-
Engineering Supply Chain
Heathrow
Age 18 by the start, with three GCSEs (English and maths at grade 9–4 desirable).
-
Business
Heathrow
GCSE English and maths at grades 9–4 are desirable.
-
Data Science
Heathrow
BSc Data Science (Integrated Degree), Level 6. Needs three A levels (at least 128 UCAS points) with at least a B in maths.
Career areas
Entry requirements
- Heathrow Aircraft Maintenance
- Maths at grade 5 (B) or above. From BA's apprentices page (2027 intake).
- Licensed Aircraft Engineer
- Level 3 maths and physics, or equivalent. From BA's apprentices page (2027 intake).
- Data Science (Level 6)
- Three A levels (at least 128 UCAS points), with at least a B in maths. From BA's apprentices page (2027 intake).
Who can apply
- Some programmes need you to be 16 by the start date and others 18.
Our tips for British Airways
- Pay differs a lot between programmes, from £15,643 to £27,611, so compare the one you want.
- Check the age rule for each programme: some start at 16, others at 18.
- Most programmes are at Heathrow, but licensed engineer apprenticeships are also at Gatwick, Glasgow and Cardiff.
Summary
- British Airways runs apprenticeships in aircraft engineering, workshops, supply chain, business and data science.
- Programmes last 18 months to four years and pay £15,643 to £27,611 (2027 intake).
- Apprentices are based at Heathrow, Gatwick, Glasgow or Cardiff.
- Perks include 22 days' annual leave and heavily discounted flights.
Questions about British Airways apprenticeships
How much do British Airways apprentices get paid?
For the 2027 intake, pay ranges from £15,643 (Wales Aircraft Systems and Components) to £27,611 (Data Science). Licensed Aircraft Engineer apprentices get £17,339.
How do I become an aircraft engineer with British Airways?
Through its Licensed Aircraft Engineer apprenticeship, a four-year programme at Gatwick, Glasgow or Cardiff, which needs Level 3 maths and physics or equivalent. Read our guide to engineering apprenticeships.
Can you do a British Airways apprenticeship at 16?
Some, yes. The Heathrow Aircraft Maintenance and Wales Aircraft Systems and Components apprenticeships need you to be 16 by the start. Others need you to be 18.
Do BA apprentices get cheap flights?
Yes. BA lists heavily discounted air travel for you, friends and family, plus 22 days' annual leave.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.
- Apprentices (opens in a new tab) Programme details for the 2027 intake.