
There are various work experience opportunities available at airports for students who are interested in gaining insight into the aviation industry. British Airways offers a range of five-day work experience placements at airports across the country, as well as longer programmes including careers advice, workshops, and visits to their head office. London City Airport and Manchester Airports Group also offer short work experience placements for students to learn about the different career paths available in the aviation industry. Birmingham Airport has a programme for students from specific local schools to observe and work on projects with operational teams. Students interested in a career in aviation can explore these opportunities to develop their transferable skills and gain exposure to the inner workings of an airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airlines offering work experience | British Airways, London City Airport, Manchester Airports Group |
| Work experience duration | 5 days, 10 months |
| Work experience type | Shadowing, observation, projects |
| Work experience areas | Aviation sector, finance, private jets, airfield operations, fire service, IT, legal tax and duty-free, retail, customer service, ramp safety, STEM, engineering, air traffic control, airport control centre |
| Work experience eligibility | Students over 16 years old, students from specific schools and local areas, students with a valid passport, students aged 15-17 years |
Explore related products
$25.98 $47.99
$45.98 $56.99
What You'll Learn

Work experience at British Airways
British Airways offers a range of work experience programmes and insight days for students interested in aviation and the airline industry. The company's award-winning Inspire programme gives students a taste of what working at British Airways is like and showcases the career opportunities in aviation.
The airline runs five-day work experience placements at airports across the country, providing insight into the aviation sector and British Airways itself. Students interested in these placements must be enthusiastic and highly motivated with a passion for aviation.
There are several work experience options available: the Golden Ticket programme, Speedbird-Z, and the Data Science programme. The Golden Ticket programme is a 10-month initiative that offers 1:1 career advice, leadership workshops, and visits to the Heathrow Head Office. Students are selected based on their positivity and proactive attitude. Speedbird-Z is British Airways' dedicated student website, where students can chat with digital mentors, complete work experience pre-learning modules, and gain insight into the different departments within the airline. After completing the pre-learning content and project work, students can apply for a placement. The Data Science programme is a virtual experience where participants step into the shoes of a British Airways team member on the Data Science team. Students work on real-world challenges, such as forecasting lounge demand and identifying future holiday travellers.
British Airways also attends career fairs and school events to showcase aviation to students and share knowledge and insights. The company offers virtual 'drop-in' sessions where students can ask questions about programmes and opportunities, as well as informal Zoom calls to discuss becoming a British Airways pilot.
Rapid COVID Testing: Available at Airports?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$39.99 $45.99
$33.99 $35.99

Manchester Airports Group placements
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) is the UK's largest airport group, owning and operating Manchester, London Stansted, and East Midlands Airports, as well as a US division and a growing digital department. MAG offers a range of short work experience and shadowing placements, providing insight into the various jobs available within the group and the aviation industry. These placements typically last up to five days and take place during term time.
Work Experience Opportunities
The work experience placements allow individuals to explore different career areas within the airport, such as finance, private jets, airfield operations, fire service, IT, legal tax and duty-free, retail, customer service, and ramp safety. Through these placements, participants can develop valuable skills and gain a better understanding of the airport's operations.
Eligibility
The short work experience placements offered by MAG are limited to students from partner schools and colleges. Interested individuals from these educational institutions can obtain more information from their careers advisors.
Graduate Schemes
In addition to work experience placements, MAG also offers graduate schemes. These schemes provide opportunities in various departments, including engineering, asset management, capital delivery, finance, and airport management. The graduate schemes are designed to offer graduates a guaranteed job in their chosen department upon completion.
Benefits
MAG is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment, empowering individuals to achieve their full potential. They also aim to share the benefits of a thriving airport with local communities, businesses, and regional economies. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking career opportunities in the aviation industry.
Dubai Airport: Storing Your Luggage Safely
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Birmingham Airport programme
Birmingham Airport offers a work experience programme for students who attend specific schools in the local area. The programme is designed to give students an insight into the different career areas at the airport and help them develop transferable skills. During the programme, students will mainly be observing the various departments at the airport, such as Airport Security, Customer Experience, HR, Marketing, IT, Finance, and Aviation Development. They may also be assigned small projects, such as information gathering and working as part of the operational teams.
To be eligible for the programme, students must be between 15 and 17 years old and have a valid passport. The airport accepts two students per month during term time only. The duration of the placement is one week. Interested students should note that they are responsible for their own travel arrangements and expenses. A detailed timetable will be provided to successful applicants.
Birmingham Airport also offers apprenticeships, which are paid jobs that provide a mix of on-the-job training and classroom or practical education. These apprenticeships are designed to help individuals gain valuable work experience and achieve professional qualifications. The airport works closely with apprenticeship partners to ensure that participants receive the necessary support and resources to succeed.
In addition to work experience and apprenticeship opportunities, Birmingham Airport prioritises employee wellbeing. They have initiatives such as an Employee Assistance Programme, qualified Mental Health First Aiders, Mental Health Ambassadors, and a Head Space Garden. These initiatives reflect the airport's commitment to supporting the overall well-being of its workforce.
Prescott Airport: Can It Handle a Jumbo Jet?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$35.99 $30.59

London City Airport placements
London City Airport, located in the Royal Docks in the Borough of Newham, offers a wide range of airport work experience placements. The airport is about 60 hectares (150 acres) in size and is the fifth-busiest airport by passenger and aircraft movements serving the London area.
London City Airport's work experience placements give students the opportunity to gain insight into the different career areas at the airport. Students can try their hand at various departments, including finance, private jets, airfield operations, fire service, IT, legal tax and duty-free, retail, customer service, or ramp safety.
To be eligible for the work experience placements, students must be over 16 years old and live in specific London boroughs. The placements are also limited to students from partner schools and colleges. Interested students should speak to their careers advisor for more information and to check their eligibility.
Through these placements, students will develop valuable skills and gain a better understanding of the aviation industry. They will also learn about the different roles available at the airport and build transferable skills that can be applied to various career paths. London City Airport's work experience programme is a great opportunity for students to explore career options and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic airport environment.
Firearm Check-In: Airport Edition
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$11.26 $19.99
$12.99 $16.99

Eligibility and requirements
Age and Academic Requirements:
- Many airport work experience placements are geared towards students in specific year groups or age ranges, typically between 15 and 17 years old.
- Some airports, like Birmingham Airport, collaborate exclusively with specific local schools for their work experience programmes.
- For placements related to air traffic control or certain specialised departments, a high school diploma or equivalent may be required.
Valid Identification:
A valid passport is often mandatory for airport work experience placements due to the secure nature of the airport environment.
Enthusiasm and Interest:
Organisations like British Airways seek enthusiastic and highly motivated students who have a passion for aviation.
Transferable Skills:
- Airports offering work experience placements aim to provide students with transferable skills and an understanding of the diverse career paths within the aviation industry.
- Essential skills for an airport job include strong communication and organisational abilities, as well as attention to detail.
Time Commitment:
Airport work experience placements typically last for a short duration, usually no more than five days, and take place during term time.
Airport Security: Burritos Allowed or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
British Airways offers a range of five-day work experience placements at airports across the country. London City Airport and Manchester Airports Group also offer short work experience placements. Birmingham Airport runs a programme for students from specific local schools.
You must be between 15 and 17 years old and hold a valid passport. Some airports only accept students from partner schools and colleges or specific local boroughs.
You will mainly be observing different areas of the airport and how they are run. You may also be assigned small projects, such as information gathering and working as part of operational teams.
You can gain experience in a variety of roles, including finance, private jets, airfield operations, fire service, IT, legal tax and duty-free, retail, customer service, and ramp safety.
You can apply for work experience placements by completing an online application form on the airport's website. Your application will be sent to your school for shortlisting and interview.











































