Thank you all for your excellent directions. Its really kind of you to help me out. I honestly would have had no idea how to get there (or to take my offer letter with me, thanks JSL). I feel so much better now. Still a little nervous about starting as I've been waiting since May but its reassuring to know I am going to be working with a group of lovely people. Looking forward to meeting y'all. DG
Good Luck to those who have got course dates! But spare a thought for those left behind, some of whom had their assessments months before those who have received course dates, but who still have nothing despite checking with recruitment. Not even a cancelled course. Just nothing. I don't understand the reasoning behind this. It clearly has little to do with previous experience as newbies too are being given a chance.
So if you have got a course - give it everything you've got. You are one of the lucky ones.
I must apologise if I have offended anyone. It wasn't my intention to rub anyones nose in the fact I have a start date. I have been in the same position, ready to leave my crap job since may, so I am very sympathetic towards people who are still painfully waiting.
Initially I started a new thread merely asking for directions and the moderator included it in this main thread.
So again I apologise, and I wish everyone who is still on hold lots of luck and hope you all get there very soon.
Just one top tip, allow more time than you'll think you'll need to get to hangar 6. As any lateness is noted, and BA have a points system and if you hit a certain amount of points, they have the right and will terminate your employment.
Also, hangar 6 has a small "restaurant", I use inverted commas' for a reason..you'll soon find out why and can be a little expensive if you are there every day. So try and bring in sandwiches/salads etc. As for the first few months until your flight pay starts to accrue you will be on a very basic salary
Oh thank you Bunnygirl. Thats really kind of you. I would never have thought to do that, especially on my first day. I start at 8am, if I get in to Gatwick Airport for 7.30, will that give me enough time to get there?
Hi Dicegirl. Would say 0730 is cutting it a bit fine for your first day. Unless you have done a reccy before. The busses can be a bit intermittant to say the least, plus you have to sign in at the security check point..the small portacabin hut next to the Hangar 6 car park barriers.
If you do get there a bit early there is always the lovely restaurant, where you can get a cup of tea..that opens at 0730!!
Ok cool, thanks for the tip. I will try and aim to get there for about 7.15 (just seems sooo early). But as you say better to be early. I will hang out in the restaurant if thats the case. It might be a good opportunity to me some of the other new recruits!! we will be the nervous looking ones sans the BA Uniform. Thanks again for your time. DG xx
Agree with the early comments because you also have to check in with Security. Early as the guys and gals state is very important as are appearence, attention, class participation. You will have a great time and joining BA offers many other chances in the future.
hey Dicegirl, 0715 should be ok, but just to let you know, you have to get your picture taken for your id card when you get there as well, and they dont always hurry themselves, lol! will look out for you at the end of the week as i am at hanger 6 doing my re-currents! xx
Good point well made. I must get my head around waking at all hours. I have been a Bar manager for the last couple of years, so I am nocturnal. I need to get used to early mornings again!!
Thanks all for the tips. I shall be well prepared. Must be bright eyed for my early morning photo!!
Am sure that you will have a ball on your course, its hard work but well worth it!! Even with the early mornings
You come across as having a really positive attitude and good outlook on things, look forward to flying with you and no doubt bumping into you in the Caribbean somewehere, from mid/late jan!!
Anyone on the 19th June assessment day for LGW or anyone on the 5th January course? Feel free to PM me if so-would be great to get in contact before we start =)
No offence meant Dicegirl. Just heartbreaking to have to watch the wait knowing that there's nothing that can be done help and no answers that can be given. Never known BA to change the goalpost quite like this. Initially we all thought preference was being given to experienced crew, and I think everybody pretty much accepted it. I don't think anyone would begrudge others getting course dates. If we only knew what was happening; BA have not kept us informed at all. Just sad that it looks possible that the 12 months may run out with the dreams.
Edgehill - I feel you... I had my assessment day March 31st and am still waiting for a course date.
I call my referencing lady twice a week to see what I can do - she said she would get in touch with my last referee (that same day, by email), but 4 days on my referee has heard nothing...
In the meantime, like you said - time is running out very quickly! (Especially when I think that there's only a course every 6 weeks - and with them already offering Jan 5th spots, if that fills up - then looks like mid. Feb before I may get a spot, thats IF they finally get my referencing done...)
Thanks. I was worried about the same thing happening as 2009 carried on but there must be a reason why BA are taking some ex fliers like myself and some 1st time fliers. I'm guessing we must have all been graded. It's the only rational thing I can think of but I really do sympathize with everyone left swimming in the holding pool. I hope the economy picks up sooner rather than later and BA increase their summer flying schedule enabling you all to get courses-good luck guys