Apprenticeships
We believe that the best jobs make you fly. So, what better way to take off on your career path than with a Virgin Atlantic apprenticeship.
Our apprenticeship programmes allow you to combine the ability to work and study with the opportunity to gain a formal qualification. These opportunities provide alternative educational pathways designed to fit your ways of learning, such as classroom-based learning, online courses, independent study and on-the-job training.
Our full-time apprenticeship programmes have been created to help you develop your abilities through a structured course that gives you the following:
- Job specific skills with hands-on training to benefit your new career in the aviation industry
- A workplace where you can make a real contribution
- Support from experienced coaches, mentors and managers
- A nationally recognised qualification
- A competitive salary with excellent benefits including free of fare flights. Are you ready to see the world and satisfy your wanderlust?
Airline apprenticeships aren’t what they used to be, they’re so much more. With over 100 apprentices across 25 different learning programmes at Virgin Atlantic, you’ll be part of a team and community that shares your values in learning something new every day.
Take off with our engineering apprenticeship
Who are we looking for?
We look for people with drive and ambition, those who think, see and do things differently. We employ, develop and promote employees based on their skills and values. So, if you’re committed, engaged and have a desire to learn, you’ll love our apprenticeship programmes. A Virgin Atlantic apprenticeship offers the best form of work experience while you learn.
Our apprenticeship programmes are a fantastic opportunity for motivated and passionate individuals to gain new knowledge and skills. You’ll earn whilst you learn! Being supported by the best in the business as your career takes off with us.
Don’t just take our word for it; why not hear what two of our engineering apprentices have to say?
Apprenticeships schemes
We’re committed to empowering the next generation to fulfil their potential by helping talented people to build and grow their skills. Whether you’re looking to get hands-on with an engineering apprenticeship or work from our head office within one of our business teams, we’re sure you’ll find something you like here. We offer two apprentice schemes at Virgin Atlantic, which are:
Be in the next generation of engineers that keep our aircraft flying safely. You’ll work on the cleanest, greenest fleet in the sky, from Airbus A350s and A330neos to the Boeing 787s, all while studying for your industry-recognised Cat A licence in aircraft maintenance.
Taking two years to complete, you’ll learn from the best in the business, getting involved in all aspects of our operation. Not only that, but our structured learning programme will also support you in building your knowledge, experience and skills and teach you how to put them into practice during your day-to-day job.
Get real-world experience with our Level 3 apprenticeship in Airline Operations (Aviation Ground Specialist) at Virgin Atlantic. During this 18 month course you’ll get to assist our Airport , Flight Planning, Crewing, Operations and Customer teams to deliver exceptional customer service at our based in London Heathrow alongside resolving ticket issues and learning how we deliver our day to day flying programme. It’s fast-paced, and there’s a lot to learn, but we’ve designed this apprenticeship to ignite your potential and give you the transferable skills to see your career take off, wherever you want to go.
FAQ’s
Whether you’re a school leaver or fancy a career change, choosing an apprenticeship can be challenging as there are so many options to consider. So, here’s all the info you need to kick start your apprenticeship journey with us.
- Who can apply?
- How do I apply?
- How will my training be funded?
- What are the different levels of apprenticeships?
- How will I be supported once I have started?
It’s often believed that apprenticeships are for those who have recently left school, which isn’t the case. When applying you must be 16 or over and be able to work 50% of your time in England. There’s no upper limit to applying as we understand you may be looking to develop in your current role or seek a different career path all together. Either way, our apprentice schemes offer the perfect opportunity for you to learn.
When we are actively recruiting, you’ll be able to see all our live apprentice vacancies here. On our adverts, you’ll be able to see the details of each scheme on offer and the requirements your need to start your application.
Our apprenticeships offer an incredible opportunity for our existing employees to develop their careers too. Therefore, not all of our apprenticeship schemes are advertised externally. Need help finding an apprenticeship? Click here
All of our schemes are fully funded by us – so there’s no tuition fees, no student loans and no debt – Phew! We will pay for all of your training, qualification costs and professional memberships for the duration of your apprentice programme.
There are four different levels of apprenticeships:
- Advanced apprenticeships (Level 3)– equivalent to two A-level passes
- Higher apprenticeships (Level 4-5) – equivalent to the first stages of higher education (e.g. foundation degree – Year 1)
- Degree apprenticeships (Level 6) – comparable to a Bachelor’s
- Degree apprenticeships (Level 7) – comparable to a Masters degree
Please be aware we’re unable to support your application if you have an equivalent qualification to your chosen apprenticeship your applying for.
Starting your apprenticeship can feel daunting. Rest assured, we have a lot of support in place for you.
As you spend 80% of your time on the job it’s important we get the most out of your 20% learning. To do this we work alongside our carefully chosen apprenticeship providers to ensure we deliver the best possible programme for you. Some of the processes in place to support this are:
- An individual learning plan designed with you and your apprenticeship in mind
- Regular review meetings with your apprenticeship learning coach and manager
- 1-1 Meetings with your manager
- Online tools and resources to use when it suits you.
- Personal development plans