British Airways - Wannabes & Recruitment IV

[barbiepp]

Hi anyone that can give me some advice!! I have an assessment day to attend for BA Cabin crew I am sooooo nervous i have absolutley no idea what to expect!!! I have heard that you may have to sit some tests?
I am absolutley no good on paper apart from my nerves getting the better of me i just seem to shut down! I am far from stupid though ;)...how important are these tests to the overall decision they make? does anyone know? and what else do they expect from you that day...can anyone give me some detail? Im almost that nervous i think i want someone to talk me out of it lol please help me someone any info would be greatly received!!!:ok:

[spinnaker]

Try and relax, everyone has some feeling of apprehension, particularly when its something that you desperately want to achieve. I know this is easier said than done, but, try to find out what the tests are about and try some practise exercises. They wont give you the answers, but it just gets you into the idea of doing it. When you do any test or exam, just focus on doing your best, rather than worrying about how your doing, if that makes sense. Never allow thoughts of doing poorly enter your head, just go for it.

Hopefully someone will come along with more specific detail about BA.

[garyg20]

I was at a BA assessment day on Thurs for Eurofleet and at no point did we do any tests. As far as I know, this is the same layout of the assessment day whether you are applying for Eurofleet, WW or LGW

Layout of the day -
Checked in at reception - gave all documents to one of the recruiters who took note and photo copied. Then sat in the recption area just chatting to other people there for the interview (some for Cabin Crew and Customer Services Agent)

Then all those there for CC interview got height checked and then had to strap into a crew seat and adopt brace position (which they show you)

Then went into a room with all others that were there for CC and had an introduction and welcome from the recruiters who explained layout of the day.

Then seperated into groups for the group exercise - on my day there were 3 groups with 5 in each. Had to sit round a table and chat about yourself then they gave you the group task - you are a travel insurance company - you have appox 15 complaints from people who have been on holiday and are looking compensation. As a group, decide who deserves the compensation in order of priority.

Then it was the 221 interview which was very relaxed, more like a chat than a grilling!

Then went in to a room for a presentation on BA, the company and all the stuff you need to know about being crew - benefits, pay, leave, bidding etc etc!
And that was it! No other tests nothing! Be aware that you may not necessarily do it in this order, some had presentation on BA then 221.

Everyone very very friendly, very professional and it does seem like a great airline to work for. Started at 1230 and was finished by 4pm. All very quick unlike other airlines that have you there all day long!

Hope this helps!

Just hope I get it now!

[ptc]

There are no tests!! Here is how the day runs:

There are 3 exercises that you have to do, everyone will be split into groups and do these in a different order. When you arrive they take your height and ask you to strap into a crew jumpseat.

Then there is a group discussion, a BA presentation given by them, and finally a 2 to 1 interview. You do all 3 tasks, and in takes around 3.5 hours in total. Thats it!!

It is the best stuctured interview I have ever been to in that there is no 'knock out' phase, where only some are taken onto the 2 to 1 interview. They look at the whole picture. The hardest bit is the 2 to 1 interview, they will ask you lots of questions on your experiences. As long as you do your homework you will be fine.

Good Luck!

[barbiepp]

Thankyou so much for your help and tips!! I actually feel so much better
now and more determined!! Not as scared! Im so glad i asked! Thankyou!!:ok:xx

[AROUNDTHEWORLD]

Hiya!! The above 2 posts are right! I applied for Eurofleet not long ago and it was the same!! I was really nervous but I still got the job!!

All I would say is be yourself, be friendly, smile at everyone, chat to the people in your group etc. Like someone said, they do look at the whole picture and the whole process is very professional the way they do it! Prepare some work based scenarios you have been through for the interview ie. when you have given excellent service, worked in a team etc as they do ask lots of questions about all this. But dont be scared because as long as you prepare some scenarios you will be fine! Do take part in the group discussion but don't dominate or take over, listen to others and respect their opinions! Oh, and there are NO tests!!

But don't be nervous for the day, they are friendly, it is professional and they do look at the whole picture of the day, you will be fine! :)

[bogdanko]

No tests :)

I had an excellent experience at the interview ! It is indeed very well structured.
Just try to be yourself ! Be confident , try to fit in the group and be smiley! I tried to enjoy the whole experience and that's why I got it ! I think :)

Do not be scared about the 221 interview. The recruiters I had were very nice and if U don't understand something just ask again or take some time to think about before U answer.

It seems like a really great company to work for !

Best of luck !

[barbiepp]

Thanks to everyone for helping me with my assessment day for BA!
It really helped!..... does anyone know how long i have to wait to find
out if i was successful? ... and if i wasnt will they let me know that too??:confused:

[HZ123]

For the interview think thru a number of scenarios
How I deal with difficult people
What is the best thing I have ever done
What have I got that makes me the best prospect
Try to structure a story about your CV and make sure it reflects it do not start to metion lots of stuff that is not on there
Look on as many airline websites as you can gain knowledge of the products and be sure to know all about BA's

Although it is summer, dress should be a suit trouser or skirt they are keen to see how you look in a uniform. No bare legs how ever good they are or low tops or shorts or short skirts. This is just for you guys.

If you did not understand the question ask for clarification, try not to go off on one just talking for the sake of covering your nerves. Get friends and family to sit down with you and take you thru an interview a couple of times.

At the group exercise watch the times maybe nominate yourself as the timekeeper or come in when there is only 5 minutes left, maybe take the notes and try to include people who say nothing because they look for you all to be team players not people who do not want to let anyone else say anything.

See you when you start as a new entrant.

[barbiepp]

Hi How long do I have to wait to know if I was Successful after my assessment day with BA does anyone know? its been 3 days now and havent heard a thing :( .... will they let me know if i was unsuccessful aswell? will it come in an email or a letter in the post? its torture waiting but i am supposing that i was unsuccessful because someone told me on my assessment day that they let you know the day after if you got the job so i just thought id try and find out if that was true.

thanx xx

[Lauderdale]

A good friend of mine had her interview on a Friday and she got "yes you've got the job but you are on hold e-mail" the following Monday.

Make of that what you will. Until you hear either way I wouldnt read all that much into it!

Good Luck!

[c.r.m what is it]

hiya, i was phoned and emailed the day after my assessment day, to be told that i had it, but was offered a course date straight away, so wouldnt read anything into it, as i know people who had to wait alot longer! keep your fingers crossed, sure you will hear soon!

[FlyingBoi]

Heya guys just to let the world of pprune know, BA have started recruiting again for SFLGW, it can't all be that bad then?? :sad:

[Londonlads]

If they are recruiting for LGW, it must be a bad sign! They are desperate for crew down there! People not turning up for courses is one issue!

[FlyingBoi]

Well there's hope for me yet coz that's where i'll probably end up when they've used me on WW for 11 months :rolleyes:

[speedmarque]

If your lucky at the moment!

[FlyingBoi]

I was born lucky speedmarque :p:)

[GALLEY_SCALLY]

What a/c are you trained on at LGW?

b777/b737???

[skywatch77]

Am not suprised people are not turning up for courses at LGW from what i've heard about it... It is an awful time RIGHT now for everyone. I wouldn't be suprised if temps were given LGW but after flying WW LHW it will be like going to Ryanair. :}

[blackapple]

Do you guys see any Non-UK natives during the interview?

[bne_ba86]

I'm from Australia, and I applied for LGW, got an interview, had to pay my own airfares and accomodation to London (which was a fair amount of money to spend for an interview with no guarantee of success! Thankfully it paid off though! Still waiting for training though :ugh:) - and I was the only person who was non-UK at my interview...

So yeah - I guess it DOES happen... As long as you hold an EU passport - there's no reason for non-UK residents to not apply (I have a Belgian passport)...

[blackapple]

Congrats! :)

I only have the right to live and work in UK but I'm holding a SG passport. Do you see any Asians in UK-based?

Thanks!

[HZ123]

At this time it is awkward to recruit any non EC nationals due to the very strict regs applied by Canada & the USA. Not totally accurate but in effect if Crew are not EC or other states with right of entry or another passport holder but with right of abode (or similar) they will not be permitted to enter. BA have in the recent past had a number or crews rejected. As you can appreciate it is a logistical nightmare to recruit lomghaul and then exclude them from various services.

[bogdanko]

hi I hold a passport from a a recently joined EU country and I was successful at the assessment with BA for Longhaul. I think they doublechecked when I was at the interview so I assume If I got it the passport is ok.
I already had my National Insurence Number with me. In order to apply for N.I. I think U have to be in UK already as U have to provide some proof of address and other documents in order to get it.
hope this helps !

and good luck!

[bne_ba86]

I decided to move to Belgium virtually straight away (as I have family here, and being closer to the UK than Australia, it would be easier to move from here) - I was also told that I needed to get an NI number, but haven't started the process...

I won't move to the UK officially until I get my call from BA for my training - as you said before, it's really expensive, and without a steady income (or an income at all, for the moment, since I left my job in Australia to come to Belgium!), I don't think I would be able to last very long...

BA do tell you at the assessment day that they give all candidates a minimum of 6 weeks notice for your training - I'm hoping that will be long enough to find a place to stay, and organise my NI number...

I too would be interested to hear from other non-UK residents in regards to applying for and organising the NI number.
bogdanko: Can you shed any light on where/how to get the NI number? I think I read somewhere that you needed to undergo an interview? If you could send me a private message, that would be great :) (that way I can start trying to organise some of the relevant paperwork)

[Virginia]

I'm pretty surprised that we are still recruiting for LGW! :confused:

I know there are planned training courses between now and September...after that who knows. I am sorry to say the people in the holding pools may be waiting a VERY long time. :( In a couple of years the market and economy should pick up again...until then...strap yourselves in, it's going to be a bumpy ride!

I say this not to discourage but to inform.

[bogdanko]

some links for National Insurence Number:

Applying for a National Insurance number : Directgov - Money, tax and benefits (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/BeginnersGuideToBenefits/DG_10014073?cids=Google_PPC&cre=Money)

Jobcentre Plus (http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/index.html)

In order to apply for NI nr. U have to make an appointment with the local jobcenter plus.
They will need proof of address from UK; proof of identity ( passport) and maybe a letter from the employer ; anyway they let U know about the documents required.

all the best!

Hope the courses are still going to run this year ! Otherwise why bother to recruit :rolleyes: !

[bne_ba86]

Thanks for the links, bogdanko!

Virginia: I sent BA Recruitment an email asking when they expected training for LGW holding pool candidates (and told them my assessment day was end of March - as we all know they give training dates in order of your assessment day) and they replied with 'very soon'...
I hope we won't be waiting very much longer... 'Very soon' may possibly be the end of the week, end of the month - or for all we know, end of the year... Shame they can't be more precise!
When I tried to communicate with BA through email in Australia, I found that they were very abrupt, and didn't answer all the questions in the email (infact, I remember distinctly that I had to send the same email back several times, each time omitting the previously answered questions - as they only answered the first question in each email!) - I ended up calling them, and they were extremely helpful!
Unfortunately, I only have a mobile phone here (no landline), and the cost to call BA's 0870 number from here in Belgium would kill me, so I will have to make do with their not very informative emails!

Has anybody called recruitment to get a definitive answer?

[Lauderdale]

I know there is a training course for LGW commencing the 22nd of September.....

By the way, are the LGW crew trained at facilities at LGW and just go up to Cranebank for the slides etc? Or do you spend 4(?) weeks up in LHR?

Do they pay for your accomodation?

[tomkins]

Concerning training at Lgw.(I am now in the 4 th week).The first two days are general introduction,then you are bussed off to LHR for SEP and aircraft conversions.You are at LHR for 8 days in total and where they can they put you up in a hotel,if not they bus you there and back in the day which involves a lovely 6 am depart.As well as youre basic pay ,you get allowances which total somewhere in the region of £380 for the training course which is nice to know,.Then back to Lgw for avmed and two weeks of customer service.Hope this helps(no you dont pay for hotel)

[Lauderdale]

Tomkins - excellent reply!!

And much appreciated!

:ok:

[cabinboi]

Hi guys.

Is anyone on the assessment day on the 8th July,was supposed to be tomorrow but was phoned this morning to tell me that they had overbooked for the day.

[Silvershadow]

Heard that the next WW course won't be till the end of the year. Anyone else know anything?

[HZ123]

Cannot confirm but December has been mentioned and very shortly the organisation will want all the Line Trainers back on line for the August rush, if it comes? FWIW we usually have very little or nil training for the last 2 weeks of July and all of August it is nothing to worry about.

[Fred100]

Hi guys,

I have an interview with BA next week for LGW. It does not say if it is short or long haul - can anyone advise me on this please?

Also if you know what rosters are like that would be a great help..

Thanks
xx:)

[747-436]

I have an interview with BA next week for LGW. It does not say if it is short or long haul - can anyone advise me on this please?

LGW crew do both short and long haul.

[Virginia]

Sorry everyone but BA are now cancelling future LGW courses despite having people to interview for LGW this week! I am guessing that a lot of cutbacks this winter will be from LGW...:ooh:

[HZ123]

Virginia is correct again and we might expect these cuts to be drastic, with LGW taking the bruntt with outsolurcing of ramp handling and even at a push pax services. There will be a severe cut back at both london airports of shorthaul routes. I would expect to see us cease ops to a number that we have only just started to serve and concentration will be at T5 on the high earning club routes. Some routes will lose there 'First' it will be a tough couple of years and it is likely that CC numbers will be reduced.

[bne_ba86]

Will BA be contacting those of us in the hold-pool, waiting for our course dates - that they will no longer be available?!
Or will we just find out at the end of our 12mth period that 'Oh sorry - we cancelled training, please re-apply in 12mths' :ugh:

[Lauderdale]

Guys

Just to clarify........the cancelling of courses, does this also apply to those already have been offered a course date?

Or 'just' future courses that haven't been populated yet?

For those that have been allocated a course the time is getting very near to start handing in their notice.........

[Lauderdale]

Its official................. a friend of mine just received a call from BA telling her that her course in September has been cancelled (good thing she hadnt handed her notice in yet!).

Are people who are currently on courses being sent home? Also what about the peeps that have just handed in their notice with their current employer (i.e. within one month of promised start date)......

Guess the next courses for LGW will no be planned until January at least!

[HZ123]

I fear there will / may not be any requirement for CC new starters next year, expect up to 20% + flights will be withdrawn for the winter and maybe next summer.

[Lauderdale]

They are paying out one week's redundancy.........

So a cut in crew numbers means a cut in services which in turn means the air frames flying less which is where they make their money......

Surely BA are not going moth ball 20% of their fleet? Or are airframes being moved to other bases? (that however would mean still having to recruit crew....).

RYR and EZY are increasing services as well as higher aircraft utilisation which seems to be a 180 degree oppposite strategy of that of BA......


For those of you on courses being sent home, or those who have already handed in their notice my sympathies! For those who are still flying mainly in that colour when traffic lights are not operational, at least you still have a job!

[HZ123]

Paperwork seen and viewed sent out by chief pilot indicated that 744,757 and LGW 737 would be parked up this winter and some would not return. BA will focus on the high return and transfer services. Unofficially the rumours from Waterside is a large cut at LGW and perhaps transfer of some 77's to LHR. Several 767 are/have been refurbed to cover / replace 777 operations.

[Lauderdale]

That is a huge strategic move (not neccesarily a good one......). So does that also mean a reduction in flight crew (and groundstaff, back office staff etc)?

However more importantly:

1) Will BA now lose its slots at LGW (surely it will - more orange to come then!) and will not get them back for next summer?

2) BA will have to give up its ground handling license at LGW (1 of 5 in total)?.....so more redundancies there!

Farewell BA LGW - been some fun years, but thats it!

:(

[Edgehill]

Can anyone give a bit more info as to what is going on (or not as the case may be)

[speedmarque]

What do you mean about 767s being refurbed to cover 777? Do you mean shorthaul to longhaul? Also 20% reduction?

Whats your source as noone else at BA (myself included) seems to be as in-the-loop as you are????

Thanks

[HZ123]

I am told that the 76s will have the interiors inproved but this may mean only 'Club' as there is also a plan affoot to downgrade some LHR lohghaul by removing First. Re; LGW slots we can retain them without penalty over the winter period and who knows what will happen next summer? I feel sure that a lot of us will question why so many routes were started tgis summer from LGW going head to head with the world and his wife that were already operating to these destinations. Using 73's that are in poor condition inside and cannot send out much of a positive message to the punters. As yet nothing has been said about the LGW-JFK this winter and it would take up acouple of slots daily.

[Lauderdale]

Ref: slots - as the worlds busiest single RWY airport not utilising your slots, even over the quieter winter period (did I say quieter with all the ski traffic?) retaining your slots with no commitment to utilise your slots for Summer 09 will have some other operators knocking on the slot shops door (and they will have a valid legal case as well).

Time is long gone when BA could do whatever they wanted and stick 2 fingers up to the rest (at LGW anyway). Your ground handling license has been a bone of contention anyway (totally clogged up South with empty stands all over the place at the North).

Shooting yourself in the foot seems to spring to mind!

[TEACAS]

P'haps because you'll find that the aircrafts are where they're meant to be....IN THE AIR!!!!

[Lauderdale]

TEACAS........are you seriously telling me that the stands in the South during summer are so full that most have to go the 130's and 140's because the BA fleet is up in the air? (ask yourself this; if that was the case (which it is not!) why not utilise the empty stands?).

Looks like the 01st of April has come round early again!

Trust me - having worked both in the North as well as South on Dispatch it is all down to licenses; with stand utilisation being very poor in the North and further schedule reduction this winter as advised via this forum chanches are this will now be addressed.

Have a chat with the likes of Transat who pay for a jetty stand bur reguraly end up on 136 etc.....or have a look at 31 to 38 with slot 1 EZY followed straight after by VS & MON/ZB with NWA often having to wait in the cul de sac for stand clearance....do I need to go on? When was the last time you saw an a/c waiting for a stand on 63 etc?

I am not having a go at BA (I wore that uniform for over 10 years); point is that things will be changing at LGW with BA pulling out capacity and the new open skies agreement.

It aint that hard!

[HZ123]

That said BA.com is already selling cheap seats on the LGW-JFK for the winter.

[Daisy1]

Why if they are cancelling courses are they still recruiting? I know 3 girls who have gone for interviews today for LGW crew. Has no one told the recruiters about the course cancellations or is something else happening?:bored:

[Lauderdale]

You know Daisy that is a very good point:

Let me be Fox Mulder fo a second...........

BA have not announced anything yet - a 20% cost reduction in CC will only be really cost efficient if you follow it through all the way down to FD, Groundstaff, Back office etc etc (all as discussed previousy).

Now I will give BA some credit and I think they are considering a strategic move but nothing has been confirmed as of yet, however in the mean time as not to screw up the lives of many people have been advised that courses have ben canx. Especially for those who were about to hand in their notice this is quite considerate.

These courses might never take place, and the peeps who are having interviews might end up ina holding pool for the next 12 months with nothing at the end of it....

However, it might all be back to 'as you were' within weeks as the winter program gets finalised.

Watch this space..................

[cabinboi]

Well I went for an interview with BA last week and just found out today that I wasn't successful,I was half expecting this what with them cancelling training courses.
Not all bad though as have a job as crew already.

[Londonlads]

Because they are filling their pool with candidates for future training courses. This is why they have been recruiting intensively. It's efficient when they need crew in the future!

Booking loads for the winter aren't as good as expected.

Also, they are offering unpaid leave on both EF and WW fleets. No word on cancelling any courses for EF but if they did, it would not come as a surprise!

[midoy10]

:ok:EMIRATES AIRLINES IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD :ok:

_ TRAINING

_ COURSES

_ FLIGHT

_ AIRPLANES

_ NICE CREWS

:DTHAT IS IT:D


to london and super boy :

why BA DON T RECRUIT any one outside UK !!!!! :*Racism :mad:

but EK RECRUIT from all over the world:ok:grown up:cool:


:Demirates airlines number one in the world :D

[Londonlads]

Emirates is crap in my opinion!

[SuperBoy]

I've not heard of anyone leaving BA LHR for EK but I have heard of EK crew leaving to join BA.

Matter of opinion I guess.

[Londonlads]

I went to BA after EK! And QR! Best move ever!

[bne_ba86]

Hey all,

I contacted BA today to find out if there was any news re: LGW Training, and was told that due to the economic status etc. of BA - I shouldn't expect training to begin until 'early next year'.

I'm a bit disappointed - having deduced that I would have been 'next in line' for training (Assessment Day Mar 31st - and know of some people who's assessment day was Mar 29th, and have just begun their training)... But as I'm still in the hold-pool til April, I guess I can't really complain that much...

For all of those waiting for courses - I guess you just have to hang in there.

Does anybody know what happens if you reach the end of your hold-pool, and don't get called in for training? (I forgot to ask when I called... :bored:)

[SuperBoy]

Your application becomes void and you then need to re-apply to BA and go through the whole interview process again. (If you are still interested in joining BA that is)

[Lauderdale]

Watch for something to happen in November (to coincide with planned and confirmed Flight Ops courses in October....these were originally planned for August but canx.........)

:cool:

[imon84]

hi everyone!

I was successful on my assessment day june 2nd this year, and then received an e-mail from ba stating that they would be in contact with me with in six weeks. Its been six weeks and 5 days and I still haven’t been contacted.
I e-mailed them 3 days ago, which they haven’t responded to yet. Can some one please tell me if they have or are experiencing the same thing, because its very frustrating not knowing what’s going on..


thanx...........

[wlonjay]

Hi guys I have a room in my house that I will be renting out from 1st Sep. In Redhill not far from LGW £495pcm incl bills!

[Lauderdale]

Wlonjay - is this a very sick sense of humour or something? All September courses have been cancelled!

:mad:

[wlonjay]

no not at all but you may be called, as a line trainer for BA I know that one minute they canx courses and then realise they need crew at the drop of a hat! sorry if you think i was taking the mick! but genuinly this is how Ba are having been here a long time ive seen it change on a day to day basis!

[CaledonianGirl]

Hi Guys, Can I ask about a transfer to the GLA base? Im Eurofleet at the mo but the commute is too expensive and stressful so I want to be resident in Scotty Land! Anyone know of the process or if indeed its possible? If so, what routes are flown? Thankyou for any replies. Happy Landings! :ok:

[midoy10]

Heathrow's Entrance Roundabout gets a New Face.....the fimiliar BAE-CONCORDE has NOW been Replaced by an EMIRATES A 380!
ENJOY :)

THE A 380 WILL ENTER IN SERVICE WITH EK SECOND JUMPO JET AFTER THE FIRST MADE IT TO (SINGAPORE OR MALYSIAN AIRLINES)
I DON T KNOW SPECIALY :O

when BA CAN BUY THE A 380 :confused:AND ENTER TO THE SERVICE ?????

GOOD LUCK:ok:

[SuperBoy]

to london and super boy :

why BA DON T RECRUIT any one outside UK !!!!! :*Racism :mad:

but EK RECRUIT from all over the world:ok:grown up:cool:


Midoi10,

A statement like that does not even warrant an explanation. It only serves to demonstrate your ignorance.

Good luck at EK.

[SuperBoy]

CaledonianGirl,

The only thing you can do is put your name on the "my opportunities" transfer list when it opens up again in October.

Unfortunately there has been virtually no transfers actioned to GLA for quite a few years now and I really wouldnt put my hopes on transferring there within the next couple of years.

If I were you and the commuting was getting too much, I would either move closer to LHR or find a job in a Scotland.

As always things are liable to change but IMHO there is virtually a 0% chance of anyone transferring to GLA.


I hope it works out for you whatever you decide.

[CaledonianGirl]

Thankyou for your reply SuperBoy. I appreciate your time and honesty! Ill think about the move closer to LHR but Ill let you know if any transfers come up at a later date. Cheers and Happy Landings ! :ok:

[SuperBoy]

CaledonianGirl,

Best of luck, I truly hope it works out for you.

:)

[Matt101]

Heathrow's Entrance Roundabout gets a New Face.....the fimiliar BAE-CONCORDE has NOW been Replaced by an EMIRATES A 380!
ENJOY :)

THE A 380 WILL ENTER IN SERVICE WITH EK SECOND JUMPO JET AFTER THE FIRST MADE IT TO (SINGAPORE OR MALYSIAN AIRLINES)
I DON T KNOW SPECIALY :O

when BA CAN BUY THE A 380 :confused:AND ENTER TO THE SERVICE ?????

GOOD LUCK:ok:


Yes and I just read the layout scheme for your regional A380's in Flight International, 604 seats.

Let me know how you enjoy that on your flights....

PS it was Singapore Airlines Malaysia don't have any A380's (their delivery date was pushed back to 2009)

I would also explain why in the UK you have to have the right to live and work here before being employed by BA (or any other employer) but I feel it would probably be lost on you - please return to your hole and stop bothering me by clogging up the forum with nonsense.

[HZ123]

In addition there is also a requiremnet in many of the countrys BA fly to that only EU passport holders would be admitted this is virtually the case in the USA. Unless you had been at BA as CC before a date prior to 2002 plus acceptable passport to the USA then you cannot fly with us or many of the EU airlines. It is part of the EU and DFT security requirements which will become more restrictive methinks.

[thomas18107]

Will BA be likely, in 2009, to recruit or will this be looking likely under the current circumstances?

[Matt101]

Hey mate - really that's a crystal ball question but - I imagine the scehdule will pick up again in the summer09 season and they will recruit accordingly to cover leavers.

[thomas18107]

Thanks Matt 101,

How long should you allow to apply for BA positions. I'm sort of tied into my current job until June 2009 (difficult to explain) so provided BA recruit next year, and I want to start around then, how long in advacne should an application be submitted?

[SuperBoy]

British Airways announced today there is now a recruitment freeze in place.

Dont know for how long.

[Matt101]

Thanks Matt 101,

How long should you allow to apply for BA positions. I'm sort of tied into my current job until June 2009 (difficult to explain) so provided BA recruit next year, and I want to start around then, how long in advacne should an application be submitted?


Again a bit of a "how long is a piece of string" question I am afriad. I waited in the hold pool for nearly a year after my interview before actually starting a course others get a date straight away. To be honest they will always give you at least 6 weeks notice of a date and if it's no good you can opt to remain in the hold pool though obviously 12 months is the longest you can stay in that pool.

As has been mentioned there is a freeze on recruitment at the moment anyway. I Imagine by the time it opens up again next year I would think about starting to apply even if you have to stay where you are until June.

Good luck to all those who want to start - hoep we open up again for you soon. I'm off soon (not coz BA is crap but because I want to do my flight training) so you can all start bidding on my job!

[SuperBoy]

hope we open up again for you soon. I'm off soon (not coz BA is crap but because I want to do my flight training) so you can all start bidding on my job!

Matt101,

Now that really surprised me.

No more "psychos" in tampa for us.

Good luck to you matey. :ok:

[hayles20]

:O Hi guys,
I'm currently at university and when i graduate in two years I would love to work for BA . I suppose I might be naive thinking so far ahead but does anyone know how often they recruit? And some one once told me BA are only home twice a month is this true?
Also what sort of people do BA go for, I've read Virgin recruit bubbly blondes is this the case for BA?
Kind Regards,
Hayles

[Lauderdale]

One of the coach drivers at the airport (....so the following must be true! :suspect:) told me the other day that the courses BA cancelled for September are actually still taking place but are populated with otherwise redundant groundstaff?

Can someone confirm or deny this?

[FlyingBoi]

Hey all cannot confirm/deny about the sept courses but when i was doing my initials in June for temp WW, there was a EF course running parallel consisting mainly of redeployed bus drivers from LGW.

So maybe they're still moving staff from other departments because they have an agreed obligation to find them a position?
However I'm fairly new and innocent in the mystical ways of BAs legendary manpower policies :confused: :rolleyes::rolleyes:

[HZ123]

Your query is indeed factual and it is expected that it is likely a few more hundred ground staff will find themselves without jobs within the next 6-9 months. You can expect to meet more CC that are recruited internally next year who will no doubt join ahead of anyone that is waiting in the pool.

[Lauderdale]

Thanks guys!

Just as an after thought.......it kind of implies that you can throw just about 'anybody' on a cabin crew training course and kind of devalues the selection process for external candidates.......

[VS-LHRCSA]

They've been doing it for years. It's part of a general redeployment rather than redundancy policy. Many of these people bring a lot of experience within the company that adds to the tapestry that is our crew. It's not their fault their previous role no longer exists.

[CaledonianGirl]

Hello! Just a quick question about BA Crew based at GLA? Do you earn roughly the same as LHR Eurofleet and do the same sort of work patterns? Thanks for any info. Cheers!

[speedmarque]

Hi

The GLA mainline base do GLA-LHR-GLA and LHR-EDI-LHR only at the moment.

There is no direct external recruitment to the base, its crewed by VERY SENIOR transferees from other bases.

Hope this helps

[CaledonianGirl]

Thankyou Speedmarque, it was worth a try.....maybe sometime in the future perhaps. I for one hope BA keeep at least ONE regional base. Manchester is always so busy lets hope the powers that be look at this and change their minds. We should support our routes within the Country and help the UK economy that way. Many thanks for your time and quick reply, if you hear of any movement there would you let me know? Cheers! :ok:

[HZ123]

Perhaps we should have better rail services. That would enable us to utilise the LHR / LGW slots for larger a/c. More likely that there will be no crews based outside of LCY, LGW & LHR eventually.

[dicegirl]

Hello,
having been in the Holding Pool for what seems to have been ages, I have finally got a date through for December.
The dress description is smart casual, can anyone elaborate on this.
Are jeans acceptable or would you recommend smart trousers.
I would be most grateful, if anyone could help.

Also is anyone else booked in for Dec 1st?

[student88]

I wouldn't wear jeans. Just smart trousers with a nice jumper. Something casual, formal and most importantly comfortable! You don't want to be uncomfortable for 6 hours of SEP!

S88:ok:

[dicegirl]

Oh yeah, didn't think about that.
Thank you for the tip!
Cheers:)

[Danger_Mouse]

Out of interest, when did you join the holdpool??

Thanks

[dicegirl]

On and off since June, I was offered a date for September then they withdrew my offer. So effectively I will have been waiting 6 months. Are you in the same boat?

[Edgehill]

Please confirm if this is a training day, or the start of a course.

[Lauderdale]

How did you find out on the course offered? Did they call you or did you receive conformation via e-mail?

A very good friend of mine was also scheduled for the canx September courses (I believe the one starting on the 22nd of September) - which one were you originally scheduled for?

Thanx for any info!

:ok:

[nadz101]

Hi all. I was suppose to be on the 15th sep course that was cancelled. I still havnt heard anything from BA. I wonder how many training courses are in december, above someone says starting the 1st, I know one is on the 29th also...any others?

[cloud747]

hello

just to advise as from day 1 of the training course you are marked on your apperance, therefore they do like you to weat like a suit etc for the first day then smart business wear ie shirt tie. skirt/trousers and blouse. They do relax it alot for sep/avmed and the trainers will advise you of this as you go along. but beware they can mark you down on lots of things and apperance and operate a point system at ba. if you fail a exam or have performance issues or are late you eanr what they call a point and you are allowed a max of 6 points then its good bye ba, and belive me they do get rid of people like this,

with regards totraining it's on the trainers board that a few courses are penciled in for lgw single fleet in dec and going into jan, however things could change this week , as some of you will be aware that ba have got temp crew on lhr longhaul and alot of them are about to come to the end of the contracts, it has been voiced to ba management by the union and crew that it is pointless loosing these crew when infact they could be kept on if new courses are going to start. the chairperson of the union has met the head of cabin crew and had a meeting with him with regards to this and they are now looking to give the temp crew priority over ANYONE ELSE IN THE HOLD POOL and put the temp crew into a hold pool of themselves who are due to finish soon and will cherry pick who they want and then offer them a position on a permant basis at lgw fleet. Also they have seemed to agree that maybe any courses from now on will only be offered for gatwick fleet only even the people who were offered lhr euro fleet as lgw is now part of a internal agreement called the nsp which allows current crew to transfer to lhr ef and ww and keep there rank, ( alothough alot of ex dan air , eog and cityflyer crew have been at lgw years they will only transfer with a max of 2 years seniority so will still be very junior at lhr, with hardly anyone from lgw going in a a purser to either ww or ef as there are alot more senior people on these fleets already waiting to transfer so lgw crew will be at the bottom of the list) therefore if they now only recruit from now on for lgw they can transfer the crew who have been waiting many years to go to heathrow in the avalible gaps and therefore instead of new staff put the current lgw staff there and all new entrants into lgw.

anyway i hope this helps this has also been put on various company websites to

so i hope they call some of you soon, good luck but from what they have said now in the last few days there may be a long wait, also with the reduction of flights next year now from lgw and also the loss of the atl and tls routes to lhr

happy flying

[cloud747]

hya all

well more courses have been pen in for training in dec and this is for lgw only, however as i have posted on a previous section, ba has temps on lhr worldwide on 11 month contracts which alot are due to finish in a month or so. However meetings have now taken place between the head of crew and the chairperson of the largest union in ba and it seems that there may be a new agreement to come out in the next week or so were as the temp crew as they are already trained and to save money etc that these crew who are on temp contracts will be offered permanant contracts at lgw and will be put into a pool and will be cherrry picked ie the best of them offered jobs at lgw before any outsider what so ever is trained or offered a course date in the near future. by doing this they can then move the currentlgw crew who some have been there years ( dan air cityflyer and eog) a position at lhr which they have been crying out for for many years. also they have today announced that the atlanta and tolouse routes will now be transfered to lhr from march 09 taking the fleet down by 1 777 so less crew will be needed again.
so if this agreement does go through which seems valid and a good idea i guess that if the take up is good that there will still be less positions for someone who is not already flying as crew for ba as they are talking now of making lgw the only way into ba and work your way up from there.

ALSO THERE IS A MASSIVE WHISPER THAT LOOKS LIKE TO COME TRUE IN THE NEXT WEEK OR SO THAT BA ARE TO ANNOUNCE THAT THERE GLASGOW BASE IS TO CLOSE , THEREFORE AGAIN IF THIS DOES HAPPEN BA NORMALLY OFFER CREW THE OPTION TO GO TO LHR WW AS PART OF THE BASE CLOSURE AGREEMENT AND AS WE ARE ALREADY OVER CREWED WITH UNPAID LEAVE BEING OFFERED UP TO FEB 09 IT SEEMS UNLIKELY THAT ANY NEW ENTRANTS WILL BE COMING SOON


GOOD LUCK EVERYONE I JUST HOPE IT ALL WORKS OUT FOR YOU

[Lauderdale]

Great post lgwflyboy - you are obviously somebody in the know and your information is greatly appreciated.

I am slightly confused however as it seems there are 4 courses in December mostly populated with the guys &girls who where part of the canx group back in September (....lot of ezy (ex GB!) people......)......

[cloud747]

hi laurdale

well we will find out this week or so i think with regards to lgw ad the courses etc, i guess knowing ba they will drop some courses if they have the temp crew going over to lgw but i guess it also depends on the take up as well from this group, and then i would say they would work out how many new crew they would need for lgw with regards to new entrants. also dont forget if the temp crew do take positions at lgw they are all classed as experianced in ba eyes as they have flown for over 6 months, therefore leting some of the crew who have been at lgw since god was a child who want to move to lhr to go ( subject to places being avalible at lhr) mind u lhr ww and ef are well voer crewed at the current ime with unpaid leaving being offered left right and centre now even up to feb 09 and they are also letting you take unpaid leave in a published roster so they must have lots of crew

good luck to the ex gb crew as i was gb myself and they are a fab bunch

lets hope it all works out for eveyone
xx

[complimentsmadam]

I hope what you are saying is not true!I have been 'on hold' now for months and although I was contacted recently for references Im not holding my breath.Do you expect they will take in any of the temp ww lhr crew at all?
Any theories gratefully appreciated !

[Lauderdale]

Question to ask is: is there anyone else out there who was given a course in September - who were then consequently canx - and who has NOT been invited for the new December courses?

Complimentsmadam - were you given a September start date?

[nadz101]

I was suppose to have started the 15th september and have not been called yet!! I was certain I would have been in one of the two courses in december but Im not, I have no idea how they are choosing people :\

[Lauderdale]

nadz101

yes - exactly.....it even looks like there are people on the December courses who were not selected for the September courses.....strange....

Must be sooo frustrating!!

:ugh:

[reflexline]

I was on the September 8th course (the second course) before they cancelled it. Surely I should have been on the 29th December one then? :confused:

I don't think they are offering training courses strictly in order of assessment:

"Many factors are considered when offering positions and where possible we do consider dates of assessment."

[Lauderdale]

Yes - you are right, like experience on fleet type I guess.

However..........

You would have thoughts that the peeps who were on the cancelled courses from back in September would have been on the December courses - although in fairness there might be fewer places in December than there were in September......

Let's make sure we keep each other posted! :ok:

[nadz101]

Well I had my interview bk in december 2007 and bcoz I have been at uni had to wait and was suppose to start on the september course. I was sure I would have been starting soon. I have read from this forum and another that some people that were scheduled for september are on a december course but also some people that were not and applied later than ourselves are on it too.
When I rang recruitment last friday I questioned why I wasnt on one of the courses due to start soon but the lady became quite abrupt with me and said it was the recruitment teams choice who was starting first and not necessary date order on the list of those in the holding pool. Also after 10mins on hold she refused to tell me where I was on the list...so I have no idea whats going on. Hopefully there will be courses in January for us! :-S

[E24]

Are you waiting for LGW or LHR?

I also called last Friday and was told that there were courses for LGW but none for LHR WW Temp.

[Edgehill]

So far there is only one person admitting to being on the 29th Dec course, from the other forum. Are people being told to stay quiet?

[bne_ba86]

I'd be very interested in finding out whats going on re: courses for LGW... Been waiting since April (not as long as some, but still very anxious to start!).

Was asked recently to provide my references again (why ask us before interview? or then ask for just an update...), so should I take this as a good sign?

I haven't called them as I am still waiting for my NI application to go through (2 out of possible 8 weeks down), but from what someone else said, it doesn't seem to be much use calling...

[nadz101]

I am waiting for a LGW course.
I had an email again today about my references so rang them to sort that out. I asked what number I was in the holding pool (26) but she said that number doesnt really matter bcoz management look at other factors and they choose who start first. Seems a little unfair but my only 'guess' is that those starting in december are ex-ground staff, ex-lhr and those who have some flying experience already. The lady seemed optimistic on the phone and said they are calling people at the moment for courses but only LGW so just hold on! Fingers crossed all!

[cloud747]

hello all

just back from a trip and have some updated info. its now sems a forgone conculsion that ba are to now close there cabin crew base at glasgow, infact it was said ba had even booked a room at a local hotel to tell the crew of there fate thursday but the unions have got invloved inthis now and going by what has happen before with ground staff and other bases ie bhx, bfs etc. ba never were they can make staff redundant therefore all of the glasgow people will be offered prob like the other staff ( baggage handlers, company bus drivers, ground staff etc) long haul cabin crew positions, duno if its going to be for lgw or lhr ww but most get lhr ww.
also have spoken to a trianer today and it seems also that now the only way into ba is now going to be lgw single fleet ( a lot less pay than lhr and worse terms and conditions than lhr) and they seem to be filling positons with temp crew to as well for lgw as i have just flown with one and she was told it looks like they are all going to be offered lgw. so i guess if they are taking these guys into the base the people who have been canx off courses will have to wait, which is a shame however the staff who they will put there are all ready ba crew and take priority.
but i can understand some peoples frustration on here of wer ethey are going with ba and dates of joining etc

any way any more updates will adv

[HZ123]

Employed @ Cranebank training I can only apologise to you all. Sadly at this moment in time the company has little control in what is happening in the industry. Our loads for the next few months are dropping on a daily basis and even flights showing a healthy load factor are returning little or no income. There may be a couple of courses but as some of you have stated the courses will be filled mainly by displaced BA staff as it is very likely that within the next 6 months there will be a number of staff without jobs. These BA staff still have to undergo a hard interview.

[Lauderdale]

BA Recruitement have been calling people today for the 05th Jan course - this includes people in the holding pool (i.e. from outside).

Hope many of you on here got the call!

:D

[nadz101]

Fingers crossed for us! :ok:

[reflexline]

Nah, it's quite clear that they are filling courses with people who are company redeploys or who have previous flying experience. It'll probably be quite a while before those of us in the holding pool who have never worked for an airline before get called.

[Lauderdale]

Thats a part negative reflexline - quite a nr of people from the holding pool are on the December courses or the Jan course, who - you are right there - have previous flying experience though.....

[reflexline]

Yup, from what I could work out, people with previous flying experience who interviewed up to the end of may have been called for training - but with 3 courses filled already for LGW, I think that chances for us in the holding pool without flying experience are very slim.

[Lauderdale]

Agreed - and with a flood of ex flyers coming onto the market (ex AEU, XL, Zoom etc) it will not get any easier either.

Maybe there is something to be said for joining EZY to at least get a foot in the aviation door!

[Edgehill]

No offence Lauderdale but that's not what new entrants to flying want to hear. There are some within that pool, for whom no other airline is acceptable for whatever reason is personal to them. Some perhaps have family connections, and to fly with another airline - any other airline - is just not what they want.

As for the courses filling at the moment, I accept that redeployments within the company are taking place again, and as with other base closures staff may be offered the chance to fly if they can be redeployed in that way. But I don't think that external applicants with flying experience should be prioritised over external applicants without that experience. And clearly that is happening.

[Edgehill]

Can someone please explain why July assessments are being called for the 5th Jan course? (No prev flying exp apparent).

Sorry July assessment people - nothing personal - but what IS happening?

After 22 years as CC and more elsewhere within BA , I have a 3rd generation caught up in this. I'd love to know. And I'm not the only one.

We have insiders here- can you help?

[nadz101]

I agree with you there. When applying to BA they said no flying experience was needed. It seems a little unfair why those already working for an airline or have done previously have been given places over those who have no flying experience. (Sorry to you guys, nothing against you - well done) We are all waiting in the pool, some longer than others and a step into the avaiton world would be nice, also Im sure its exactly the same training for all. I dont understand why they changed their way of choosing people, seems there are many of us who were suppose to be on the september courses and with no flying experience are still waiting.

Well done and good luck to those starting in January!

[Lauderdale]

Edgehill


No offence Lauderdale but that's not what new entrants to flying want to hear. There are some within that pool, for whom no other airline is acceptable for whatever reason is personal to them. Some perhaps have family connections, and to fly with another airline - any other airline - is just not what they want.


How about a reality check? The market isnt exactly in a state where beggers can be choosers. My question as an employer to you would be: "how much do you really want it then? Really really really want it if you refuse to get some flying experience by flying for the like of ezy?"

also


But I don't think that external applicants with flying experience should be prioritised over external applicants without that experience. And clearly that is happening.



It seems a little unfair why those already working for an airline or have done previously have been given places over those who have no flying experience.


Maybe a reminder should be in place stating that BA are still a business (not a charity) - if I can employ someone with 10 years worth of experience on say A319/320 etc when I have that same fleet then it makes sense that I will utilise that experience. Let alone people who have 15 years+ experience with the BA product say via an ex franchise.

Sorry guys - but if you really WANT to fly then you will take the path that will get you there. Aviation at the moment is not the place to be picky - and it has ALWAYS been the place where determination counts for everything..........

[wiggy]

Lauderdale

Sorry to butt in but good point well made.

It's no good people sticking their fingers in their ears and singing "la la la we can't hear you" when bad news is announced. A good friend of mine (Temp Cabin Crew) has just been laid off from BA, as have some of the ex-Manchester people redeployed down South last year. Recruitment on the other side of the Flight Deck door at the moment is at a complete standstill...

If you've got a Course in BA in the near future keep your fingers crossed you hang on to it, if you want to be Crew if anyone offers you a Cabin Crew job in the present climate grab it with both hands.

Hanging on for the vague promise of a job at BA simply for reasons of preference or family history is, frankly, barking in the present climate. As Lauderdale has quite rightly said "Aviation at the moment is not the place to be picky".

Whatever you do - good luck.

[nadz101]

Of course you are right that people with experience on a specific aircraft previously should be offered employment and hence that is probably one of main reason they were offered a job to begin with. But remember it isnt all about an aircraft they have worked on, personality and customer service experience is a main factor also which Im sure the majority of people who are all waiting in the pool have a great experience of. After all everyone is put through the same training and tests so experience on an aircraft or not shouldnt really dictate the order of those starting training courses first.

As someone quoted in another forum, the email those of us received on september cancelled courses:

"We appreciate that you will be disappointed to hear this news, however please be assured that your application will be kept on file and as soon as we have further course dates confirmed these will be offered to candidates in the date order of courses previously assigned"

Now thats why I said it was unfair. I was number 26 in the pool and hearing someone number 87 has been offered a training date before me because they have flying experience seems a little unjust now.

[nadz101]

From this forum and another, the people who have said they have a training course for january all have previous flying experience and noone without or may be ex-employs of BA?! Also those with assessments in July have been offered a place before those who had assessments in April :-S Sorry its just an assumptions though. You say you also have flying experience - Im guessing there are many of you that have and hence they are cherry picking at the moment and assessment date order has gone out the window. :\

[wiggy]

The Company is taking an expensive risk training anyone...will they pass or will they fail?

Look at it this way..imagine you are running a Cabin Crew Training Department and you have just had your Training budget slashed by the Company Boss. You are presented with two applicants for a Cabin crew job, both have extensive customer service experience and a winning personality, but only one has proven that he/she can pass a Cabin Crew Training Course and has a record of flying on the line. Who would you pick to put on the next available course, bearing in mind the accountants are looking over your shoulder and any training failures come out of your budget?

I really will go away now.

[nadz101]

You have made a very good point there and thank you - that was an area I didnt think of lol. My only defence to that and speaking about myself would be that surely a graduate of engineering who has worked hard for three years passing all exams and with the neccessary customer service skills and personality would still be a good candidate to pass cabin crew training?!
Sorry guys if Im moaning I have been waiting a long time to start and really want it! Just like many of you! :)

[Lauderdale]

nadz101

You are obviously passionate about this - and for that I applaud you. I also agree with you that the way course places are allocated can be frustrating (being politically correct here!).

However, what ever you do - and please take this bit of advice from someone who is well in the know when it comes to this industry; grab what you can get at this moment in time. The whole world does not revolve around BA. The like of VS, MON etc are great carriers to work for. Take ezy if it comes along - at least it will give you some experience - will put you in touch with people. This is a very small world (aviation).......a lot of it is 'who you know'......

But please do not fall in the snobby trap like someone else on this forum....

Determination is what it is all about!

[nadz101]

sorry I didnt mean that, just that all of us are capable of passing training otherwise we wouldnt have been offered employment to begin with.

thank you I will seriously consider other airlines now. Its just BA was my first choice and applied there first and got in. Hopefully we will all hear something in the near future.

Good luck to all! :)

[Edgehill]

I replied to the thread, but the system logged me out before I knew it. Guess I took too long to consider how you felt; and keep you on a pedestal. But considering you was a must.
I am BA trained. I'm so well BA trained that I still say Sir and Madam. It took me years to show a bit of road rage!
I had some relevant points, some which I will still convey. And I would like your opinion.
I'll get back to you. In the meanwhile look up the words 'loyal' and 'allegiance'. And reflect on how you think those true meanings have made British Airways the Airline it is today. Think of the staff members who have worked, sometimes for a lifetime - and many still meet like families; think of the staff members who have generations within the Company, and what inspired those generations to join.
Think, instead of cabin crew, of British Airways Cabin Crew; and if it hits your inner core, reckon you could be OK!!!
And if it doesn't, maybe you just want to be cabin crew.
For snobby ... read loyal. Determination is for those who just want a cabin the job. For loyal.. look for those who want to fly as British Airways Cabin Crew.

[Lauderdale]

For snobby ... read loyal. Determination is for those who just want a cabin the job. For loyal.. look for those who want to fly as British Airways Cabin Crew


1) How can you be loyal to a company that you havent even started working for? In that case I will stay loyal playing for Manchester United....

2) "....just want to be CC..." - JUST???? How snobbish is that?

And btw.....I spent 10 years of my life saying "....welcome on board this British Airways Service to XXXX...."

BA can be a great company to work for (I say CAN! as plenty of people have been screwed by management over the years) but so can many other companies......reality check required!

:ugh:

[HZ123]

Just to bring you up to date from Cranebank training centre. Yesterday there was a number of staff forums for Customer Services / Operations training staff and the message was stated that there must be an imediate cut of costs by 20% to ensure the company future. Some of us that have a number of years in would suggest that the figure is nearer 33% as a required saving. This does not empact with immediate effect as BA is large and things take some months to happen.

This does not directly effect the CC budgets but does however directly involve recruitment and selection. As some of you have implied it makes good sense if there is to be any NECC courses to take those that have previous experience and utilise internal staff that have been displaced. This may enable the courses to be reduced by a few days or even by a week. The courses that have been mentioned for Dec / Jan have still yet to be firmed up here.

Thge NECC January courses have been canx.

[dicegirl]

Oh thank you for your advise. I am nervous enough about starting, I don't want to be worrying about what to wear as well!!

[dicegirl]

Hi so sorry for the delay, its the start of my course. Sorry, I said training day but I was referring to my first day. :)

[dicegirl]

Hello Lauderdale,

They contacted me over the telephone, then sent me a confirmation email.
I was originally scheduled to start 29th September. I found this out in July, then it was cancelled 2 weeks later.

Hope your friend gets that phone call very soon. Its so painful waiting. I was told I would most probably be starting early next year, so it was quite a surprise for me. It seems like they may be slotting people in as and when they can.

Do you fly with BA out of the US?

[dicegirl]

Hello,
I am starting my Cabin Crew training in December.
I was wondering if anyone could tell me, how quickly do you start flying once you have qualified. Is it immediately and if so will I be flying long haul in the first few weeks. I have so many questions so any feed back would be much appreciated.

Any new starters due to start in December?;)

[bne_ba86]

Hey guys,

I've just been told by one of my referees that BA has contacted them for my airport security pass - can I assume this is a good sign and a definite step forward towards being offered a start date?

The lady I spoke to on the phone informed that whilst they were starting my referencing, it wasn't a guaranteed offer of employment - but am I still right to get my hopes up slightly?

Anybody else in the LGW Hold Pool getting their references checked?

[Carnage Matey!]

I wouldn't take it as any sign just yet. All internal sources are saying there has been a complete ban on external recruitment. Checking references may be a prelude to being put into the holding pool, but if there are no jobs available then the holding pool is where you'll stay unfortunately.

[Lauderdale]

External candidates on the December & January courses.

[Carnage Matey!]

If they've already signed a contract BA has historically honoured it. Following 9/11 they then unceremoniously dumped cabin crew when they reached the end of their 6 month probationary period.

[Lauderdale]

Uhm....that was slighly confusing......:}

There are people on the December & January courses who are external candidates with no previous BA employment.

Me thinks a few too many peeps on unpaid leave and some more peeps getting close to 900 rolling hours might have something to do with the above.

Also people who knowingly applied for a temp contract at LHR are not getting pereference over those who intently applied for perm. contracts at LGW - and I think there is some sense in that. Off course there will be selection from that LHR pool coming down to LGW.

[Carnage Matey!]

Unfortunately people on unpaid leave can be recalled to work with minimal notice, and have been. The 900 hours limit isn't going to be an issue if the downturn is anything like as bad as expected as 747s will be parked to be replaced by 777s (freeing up 3 crew members) and long haul flights are reduced with an increase in short haul flying to safeguard the slots. I would imagine the very last thing on the minds of manpower planning is the risk of being short of crew next year, and thats before any crew productivity increases are sought by management.

[Lauderdale]

Well if anything short haul flying will result in additional rolling duty hours...

Anyway - the question was asked earlier today and the answer is: Yes, there are courses in December and January with external candidates....end of.

[bne_ba86]

Carnage - I've been in the LGW holdpool since my interview back in March/April... I'm hoping that I've waited long enough, and that this is a sure sign that I'm moving toward training!

Lauderdale - Knowing that there are ext. candidates in the Dec/Jan training's lifting my hopes up, too - but again, I'm not getting too excited about it all.

I'll keep people updated as this progresses - I'm sure there are many in the holdpool that are just as eager as I am to get started, and any news (whether from BA or from people like myself) is better than no news at all.

[Lauderdale]

Hi Dicegirl

Well if your course starts on the 05th of Jan then you will be on the same course as my friend!

No I don't fly with BA out of US - but have I worn the uniform and I can still be seen at Waterside every now and then! ;)

[Londonlads]

Usually you have two days off after training before your first flight. It depends whether your ID has actually come through. If it has, two days later after your training. If not, once it has come through!

Enjoy training!

[bunnygirl]

Hi Dicegirl,

Firstly welcome to Gatwick Fleet!! In answer to your question, yes you will be flying long haul from day one. Current LGW longhaul route are: Atlanta, Orlando, New York (All 24 hour stopovers), Tampa and Bermuda (Between 24 and 48 hours stopovers), Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia and Kingston (Anything from 1 night to 5 nights away). The longest trip for this winter is Kingston which is a total of 6 days (You leave on a Monday, land back on a Saturday), there is also a 5 day Kingston as well. I think St Lucia is between 5 and 6 days as well.

Although in both Antigua and St Lucia your trip will generally be broken up by a shuttle. (From Antigua to Grenada, Tobago or St Kitts) and from St Lucia to Port of Spain. All are little return trips from Antigua..You will leave the hotel early afternoon and be back at the hotel by around 8pm.

Don't forget that we do whats called mixed flying at LGW, which means you will also be doing a fair amount of shorthaul, ranging from 1 day trips (there and backs) to 4 day trips. As we also stop over on shorthaul as well..Currently we nightstop in: Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Amsterdam, Geneva, Toulouse, Jersey, Malaga, Bologna, Venice, Naples. Am sure my colleagues will add to any that I have forgotten!!:ok:

Good luck with your course, any thing else you need to know, let me know

Bunny X

[dicegirl]

Thank you Bunny,
that has given me a little insight as to whats in store for me over the next few months. Its quite nice to get a positive reply.

There are a lot of people still in the hold pool for training dates. I have been in the pool since July but I finally got a date through. I am due to start December 1st.
I know people are saying that this could still be withdrawn, fingers crossed its a bit too late in the day for them to do this now.

Anyway must stay positive, here's hoping I will be flying to the Caribbean mid January.

Thanks again for your reply.

Dice Girl:ok:

[dicegirl]

Hello Carnage Matey,
I have been in the hold pool since July, I have recently been offered a date for training due to start Dec 1st.
I have exchanged contratcs, are you saying that my offer could still be withdrawn this late in the day? :ugh:

Dice Girl

Ps I am external applicant with no flying experience.

[Glamgirl]

I'd just like to correct something Carnage wrote...

After 9/11, no-one was given the boot after their 6 months probationary period, unless they were not suited for the job of course (as in bad assessments, snapshots, reports etc). We had a major shake-up after 9/11, with temporary part time and long periods of unpaid leave being offered to a lot of crew. To this day, the company avoids forced redundancies as much as possible (it has implications on later recruitment). This is why there are so many redeployments within the company right now, as well as voluntary redundancy in some departments (mainly management).

We're still flying high though, so for those of you in the hold pool, please be patient, don't despair just yet. There's an uncertain future for a lot of comanies and people right now, so if I were you, I'd concentrate on working hard in whichever job you have right now. Save as much as you can (training and first month of flying is not easy on the wallet). Pretend you're crew, learn airport codes, watch all kinds of customer service, from phone calls to supermarket to restaurants. This will help you with your onboard and class room performance. Read up about countries and cultures (it comes in very useful - I wish I'd done that at the time).

Keep breathing, don't drown swimming around. You will hopefully get the call at some point, it's just taking a bit longer than usual, due to the global credit crunch.

Good luck!

Gg

[nadz101]

Hi there everyone, just would like people to know I have created a group on facebook called 'British Airways Holding Pool' if people would like to join to chat, share info, photos - anything really. I searched and only found a Virgin one so thought it was only right BA should have one too :ok: haha.

Hopefully speak to you and new people soon.

[croggles]

Light at the end of the tunnel, just been offered a start date on the 19th of Jan for BA WW!!!!!:ok::ok::D:D

[bogdanko]

hey croggles ,

when did U had Ur interview?

congrats:ok:

[croggles]

Had my interview on the 16th May Bogdanko. When was yours?

[747-436]

Light at the end of the tunnel, just been offered a start date on the 19th of Jan for BA WW!!!!!

BA sometimes don't think logically, why are they getting rid of crew they have already trained and spent money on yet getting more new crew in!?!!?

[croggles]

Yep this is the 11 month temp contract.

BA have their hands tied by the union, they're not allowed to recruit for permanent crew into LHR WW, as there are so many people waiting on other fleets for a transfer. They compensate by recruiting for temporary contracts to allow for crew movement and then offer the temp crew positions in other fleets if they're available. If they transfered into LHR WW when ever positions were available, rather than offer temp contracts to cover short falls, then all of BA's experience would be at LHR due to the seniority system they operate. Therefor they have no choice but to let the current WW temps go. It will be the same story when my contract expires I'm sure.

Hope that makes sense 747.

[bogdanko]

hei mine was on 2 nd of june. So I think I should expect to be called .
did they called U for permission to contact Ur current employer before U got the call ? I only recived the e mail asking me to confirm I agree for them to start with my ref check.

[747-436]

I know how the 11 month works and it is to do with unions etc. But BA should a, stand up to the unions more, which I hope will be happening soon anyway as there are big changes coming right across all of BA! And b, why not move them to LGW or Eurofleet and move those that want WW across to fill the gaps. I suppose it makes sense now to let them go but if they start recruiting Eurofleet again then it won't.
Who knows how BA moves sometimes!!!

[Londonlads]

This is BA! What do you except?

I know of a coupe of temporary crew that have been recruited to both Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qantas. One guy has also been recruited to VVIP!

Once again, well done BA for loosing some fantastic crew who would have happily stayed!

[Have you heard this!]

I've heard that BASSA are trying to assist temp crew whos contract has finished to be placed in a holding pool for a permanent position or call back.

Could anyone confirm this? Is there any temp crew who have finished heard anything like this or have you been placed back in the holding pool for another course?

What has exactly happened to the temps who have finished?

[GS-Alpha]

If BA wanted to offer an 'expired' temp crew another temporary contract, how long do they have to have been unemployed by the company before they can legally do so? I would expect many of them to be invited back after that period is up, but only on temp contracts again.

The sticking point is that BA clearly do not want to offer any more permanent contracts for the time being.

[croggles]

You can reapply for the temp contract one month after you contract expires. Atleast thats what they told me at the interview.

[dicegirl]

Hello all,

did anyone attend the assessment day 28 May pm.
Would be good to hear from you and find out where you are at.

[dicegirl]

Hi Bne Ba86,

I had my assessment 28 May, I was offered a start date to begin 29 September. It was then withdrawn. At the end of October I was offered a second training date beginning 1 Dec. I was asked to resubmit my references before they offered me the start date. From there they asked my permission to contact my references. I have now received my contract and I am hoping to start soon.

It seems they are not doing the whole recruitment process in any particular order. At least its a step in the right direction if they have made contact with your referees.

Even though I have progressed this far, I am still half expecting the dreaded phone call saying they have cancelled. I won't rest until the day before I start.

When was your interview?

[Have you heard this!]

Croggles

"You can reapply for the temp contract one month after you contract expires. Atleast thats what they told me at the interview"

Does that mean you have to go theough the whole interview process again or it it done in a different way?

[Glamgirl]

Dicegirl,

Are you answering your own questions now? I'm just a bit confused, that's all...


For those of you frustrated about temporary contract, I'll spell out the obvious... We're recruiting only temporary contracts (mainly WW) so if we end up in a spot of bother financially and have to cut back on crew (involuntary), the temps will be the first to go, and as it's a temporary contract, for the legal side of things, it will not put a restriction on recruitment at a later date.

If I were you (on temporary contract), I'd enjoy every minute of it. Save as much money you can. When there's a few months left on your contract, start applying for other jobs, as it's unlikely you'll be kept on (unfortunate as that may be). This will help you avoid a "gap" in your cv as well as lack of funds.

Gg

[dicegirl]

Er no, it was addressed to Bne Ba86.

I replied to their thread and it appeared there.

Why would I answer my own questions?

[croggles]

You have to go through the application process as an external applicant again, however, once you've been there for 6 months you can apply internally for other positions, which i guess would include flying jobs on other fleets such as EF or LGW. Just not for the WW temp contract again.

[welshboy1982]

So lets just hope that they start recruiting again for Eurofleet or Gatwick before my temp contract comes to an end please!!!

[Have you heard this!]

Found this on Cabincrew.com:

"i did hear that bassa had arranged for the temps to be placed in the holding pool once their contracts are up, then given priority for new courses"

-----------------------------------------------------------

Any BA WW LHR temps got any info on this? Does anyone else know if this is true?

[Glamgirl]

Dicegirl,

No offense, but if you look at posts 173 and 174, it looks like you've asked a question in 173 and then answered it in post 174 (as in logged in and posted #173 by the wrong name). No biggie for me, I was just curious, that's all.

Good luck with everything, hope it all goes well for you.

Gg

[ribble]

Hey Guys,

Well ive just finished my 11 month contract and i had a meeting with my manager just before i left, she did mention something about maybe putting the temps into some kind of holding pool where they may invite people back at a later date....but this was very vague....she still has no idea what the outcome is going to be.....well i had a fantastic year and loved every minute of it ...but you have to move on and get on with things, so i have a new job lined up for january ...so christmas off ...(NICE ONE) !!!
good luck to all you fello temp guys, who knows what will happen in:) the future...just get on with life and if theres a phone call in the future then ...BONUS...!

[bne_ba86]

Sorry I took so long to reply, been busy with other things.

I had my interview on March 31st, and received my congrats email on the 2nd April.
Since then, I left Oz to move to Belgium with my sister until I finally found a place to live in London, and moved in on the 1st Sept.
I've been waiting for my NI application to process - I was told it could take up to 8 weeks & it's been 6 already. I hope they hurry up, as I think this is the only thing holding me back. (BA have nagged me for it since day dot - but as an Aussie, I don't have one, and needed to be in the country to apply, as we need to provide proof of residence)

BA have contacted all 3 of my references (I know one is yet to send their reply back).

Again, I hope this is all going to move quickly - the end of my hold pool is getting closer and closer, and with people being offered training before me, I can safely say I'm getting very anxious. It almost feels like it's never going to happen, although I have friends who work for WW and EF (both permanent) who told me they had to wait up to 10mths before getting training.

Good to hear you've got training, though - and I also hope for you that they don't cancel your training. Meanwhile I'm keeping my fingers (and toes, and whatever else I can think of) crossed hoping I'll get a golden call/email soon.

- Bne_BA86

[flyingpanther]

In reply to 747 message: Are you for real when you say you hope BA stood to the unions more? I work for BA and I'm also a BASSA member and I'm a bit pissed off when I read things like that. Our unions have been fighting for years for us to enjoy our current terms and conditions and I'm sure our T and Cs are the reasons why you applied for BA in the first place. I'm sure you'll enjoy them too when you get online and realise how lucky you are to be part of BA cabin crew. I'm glad our unions are as strong as they are and manage most of the time to protect the interest of the majority of our crew community. I'm sorry for those of you on a temporary contract ( some of my friends are on it) but you knew what to expect when you signed it. End of my rant

[jas99915]

hey all... yes i just finished my 11 month contract... it was great had real fun... gutted wasnt offered anything... but thats it for me... and the rest of my course... any one i am sorry to say if you your contract is coming to an end... you will not be offered anything sorry guys... BA are even starting a new course on the 19th jan 2009 for ww temp course... its a shame they couldnt keep on those that wanted to stay and maybe offer another 11 months... i am sure people starting on the 19th jan wont say that.. i wish u lot lots of luck for your 11 months... but it seems its probably easier to recruit more temps than to offer anything to those that wanted to stay.. even another temp contract.. shame i would have stayed never mind... and yes before anyone replys to this message and says you know what a temp contract is... i do... nothing more nothing less.... just would have been to be kept on.... i had a ball though.... good luck to all those coming to an end... make the most of it....http://static.pprune.org/images/smilies/thumbs.gifhttp://static.pprune.org/images/smilies/smile.gif p.s flying panther... i think 747 knew what a temp contract is... he /she was just expressing it would have been nice to be kept on thats all... and it would have... but obviously not to be... you quite clearly are a permenant member of staff. i could be wrong.

[sognandoil380]

hello is it possible to send my curriculum for BA to the address (london heatr) or just on line?

[E24]

I anyone on the training course that starts Jan 5th?

[Rarely]

Just had my course cancelled for 19th Jan

[speedmarque]

Sorry to hear that rarely. Was a reason given? Were you WW temp? Any hope given to you on phone of a reschedule?

Best wishes

[Rarely]

yes it was temp comtract on WW LHR and decreased scheduling of flights for summer was the reason.

[speedmarque]

Sorry to hear that. Wish you all the best.

[dicegirl]

Hello

I am starting my training course at LGW Hangar 6 on Monday. I am traveling from Brighton, but I don't drive so I am relying on public transport. Could anyone help me with directions from Gatwick Airport Rail. I have done multiple searches on Google maps and I am still confused.
Any info would be much appreciated.
I have received a map in my starter pack but its really basic.

Thank you
DG

[yaletown]

It's been years, but I thought Hanger 6 was located near the crew car park. That has probably changed, but I believe the hanger is on the South side of the runway, off of the Charlwood Road, to the Perimeter Rd South (I know it is the Perimeter Road South..it is basically where BA's LGW maintenance hanger is). I trained there when BA had a mainline base at LGW. They gave us directions in my orientation packet when I started, but mind you this was over 14 years ago.

I found this pdf file on the internet that shows the hanger area:

http://www.crawley.gov.uk/stellent/groups/public/documents/plappdrawing/int149695.pdf

[dicegirl]

Hey YT
thank you so much for your reply. The map you sent is a lot more useful than the one I got and I can use the street names to do some bus research. Surely there must be a shuttle bus there and back, not everyone has access to a car.

I just could do with out one less thing to worry about on day one!
Thanks again
DG

[c.r.m what is it]

hey dg, welcome to the ba family, you will love it here! anyway directions time, when you come out of the station turn left, then keep walking until you come to the virgin and easyjet check in desks! in the far right, past the toilets go through a set of double doors and downstairs until you are outside! in front of you will be a white bus, get on and tell the driver you are on ba training course,

[jetset lady]

dicegirl,

Just a bit of extra information to add to c.r.m.'s excellent directions, the double doors will be labeled Concorde House. Although this is in the South Terminal, the buses will stop at Hangar 6 if you ask. The buses will be marked X,Y,Z and X overflow car park or something similar. The only thing I will say is that the drivers can sometimes be funny about taking people without ID's, which of course you won't have to start with, so make sure you've got something, ie a headed letter, with proof of training on it close to hand. This should be fine for them. Enjoy your course, study hard and we look forward to seeing you on line.

Jsl

P.S. For the record, LGW fleet is part of BA mainline in case you're wondering. ;)

[yaletown]

Just out of curiousity, what is the pay like, and the scheduling? Are you still rostered or can you bid for trips/days off? At BA loads on long haul and some on short haul commuted (I knew one who commuted on short haul to Durban! She would bid days off a certain way...long haul we were rostered). I wondered if commuting is possible if LGW based...

[jetset lady]

yaletown,

We have the Carmen system for our rostering. Technically, you can bid for trips/days off etc. but in reality, it's a bit of a sore point at the moment as it's not the most reliable! Saying that, a friend of mine seems to have got his bidding spot on. Either that or he's sneaking boxes of chocolates to Carmen, and his roster is always pretty much what he wants. The same goes for salary, as it really depends on what flights you're doing. Long haul is where the money is and the potential earnings are pretty good if you get it right. Unfortunately, if you're a purser, forget it! (I'm not bitter! ;))

As for commuting, a lot do especially since the introduction of single fleet. Most seem to manage quite well although, I don't think we have anyone coming form a long distance. It's mainly within Europe.

Saying all that, it's still a great base and fun to work at. There's no doubt, LHR have the better T&C's but LGW has a lot going for it too.

[dicegirl]

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.
:ok:
DG

[Edgehill]

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.

[dicegirl]

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.

DG

[bunnygirl]

Good Luck Dicegirl.

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:uhoh: 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

[dicegirl]

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?

[bunnygirl]

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::ok:

[dicegirl]

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

[HZ123]

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.

[c.r.m what is it]

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

[bunnygirl]

Yep 0715 should be ok. Does seem early, but do remember at BA LGW (and indeed LHR), there are flights that check in at 0500 in the morning.

And if you operating a long haul back from say US or Caribbean, your checkin in early/mid evening local time. But actully around midnight UK time:confused:

So it will be good practise for you..he he:O:O

[dicegirl]

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!! :bored:

[bunnygirl]

Good Luck Dicegirl.

Am sure that you will have a ball on your course, its hard work but well worth it!! Even with the early mornings:zzz:

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!!

[MAN330-300]

Has anyone heard any recent news regarding any EF training courses?

[KernowGuy]

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 =)

[dicegirl]

Thank you so much Bunny Girl, those are very kind words.
Hope we do meet up along the way.
Dice girl

[Edgehill]

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.

[bne_ba86]

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...)

Congrats to Dicegirl and to Kernowguy, though!

bne_ba86

[KernowGuy]

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

[Lauderdale]

Kernow - did you ever zoom about in the Beehive?

[KernowGuy]

Not sure what ya mean

[Lauderdale]

With BA's announcement yesterday in regards to the "re-structuring" of LGW (read: less flights, cut in positions) is there a risk we will see a repeat of events earlier this year? (i.e. the cancellations of courses).

You would like to think that internal communications have taken place prior to this strategic decision and that the December and January courses are part of this restructuring.

Everyone on the planned courses will have handed in their notice by now and looking at events last July/August and the current state of the market surely there is the moral responsibility to make sure people do not give up their current (scarse) employment only to be told "....minimum redundancy pay coming your way (one week's basic pay like back in August) and a 'sorry' to boot......

Maybe somebody in the 'know' can eliviate some of the worries that surely now exists among the 'peeps' who's courses are just around the corner?

[Have you heard this!]

What happened last July/August?

[Lauderdale]

Last July/August the guys who were going to be on the September courses were called and told that these courses had been cancelled - I know a few people had already at that point submitted their resignation with their current employer......

[KernowGuy]

I'm not totally sure but I think we may be a bit closer to the start dates now. I'm keeping my fingers crossed as it says only groundstaff will be affected. From a friend who is a purser at LGW, he says they are short on cabin crew and they also have the 900 hours issue meaning they need just a few more, hence the 2-3 extra courses. Although I trust what he says, BA could obviously change their mind however with less than a month to go, anyone in current employment will have handed their notice in now I'm sure. I'm not panicking over this one at all at the mo tbh but we'll just have to sit it out and wait I guess

[Lauderdale]

Hey Kernow

Yes - I do agree, and I am also aware of the 900hrs+ issue etc. The only concern I have is the Unions.....

Let me explain - the devil is in the wording; are we talking positions or people here. If we are talking positions then it will mainly affect those temporary summer check-in/loaders staff.

However if we are talking about 100 staff currently employed then the Unions will take a s stanpoint of rather than running new entrants courses and making people redundant offer those courses to the groundstaff first. You know the drill.......

In any event - some ground handler outthere is about to sign a very lucrative contract for next summer!

Four weeks today Kernow! Not long now! :ok:

[KernowGuy]

Yeah definitely. Agree with what you've said however, unfortunately I'm somewhat of an optimist so I'm crossing my fingers hoping we're only talking positions :p

Hopefully, as you said, in 4 weeks time, we'll be there on day 1 commencing our courses, Mrs Lauderdale included.

[Have you heard this!]

There is normally a 90 day consultation period before anything is actioned. Don't know if they would all be finished that quick anyway.

[Daisy1]

It's not what you want to read when you know your course date is only 20 days away! All rather worrying, but then crew I know at Gatwick are saying that most of them are high on hours and they need more crew to keep the operation going.....:bored:

[Glamgirl]

The recent announcement about LGW was about ground staff. Several different departments, and this has been in the pipeline for quite some time. There will be opportunities for these employees, and the company is aiming for no forced redundancies.

There are no plans (at least for the moment) to cut down on crew levels. Some crew are getting close to 900hrs and we need to avoid the debacle of last year. It is anticipated that crew will quit as well, as there is a fairly high turn over of crew (has been in the last couple of years).

Having more crew than we need, can release temporary part-time for those who would like that.

Study hard, have fun on your course, and if you get a really good rosta with long trips: don't boast! It'll wind up the crew who've been here for years. Just say you've got a nice rosta and smile.

See you in the air!

Gg

[HZ123]

GG Is correct and in no way at the moment do the job losses effect the CC. From the ramp and operations aspect do not be suprised to see the whole organisation go and most of the ground operations out sourced. LGW from that point of view will be treated as any other station outside of LHR.

[yaletown]

At the wages they pay, I would imagine there is a constant level of attrition, which would make me think they always need cabin crew at LGW. Back when LGW WW was still mainline, I remember EuroGatwick made significantly less than even Short Haul at LHR. I had a friend who lodged with me for a bit in London, and she was EuroGatwick and could hardly make ends meet.

On a different note, how do they roster you? Do you bid now?

[Glamgirl]

For the record, LGW is mainline, just like LHR.

We have a bidding system. Whilst we earn less than our colleagues at LHR, it's not difficult to make ends meet, as long as you live within your means (like any job anywhere). Crew moan about money on a regular basis, but then pop off to the mall or similar the next minute. If you've got your head screwed on, and have control of your spending, it's not difficult, really.

Hope this clarifies.

Gg

[complimentsmadam]

Does anyone out there have any idea what might be happening about courses for temp Lhr new entrants? Do you think the whole thing will go to pot now with the new Qantas /Iberia merger.Ive been 'on hold' now for 7 months and when the 12 months is up, is it all over as has been suggested? I heard that there were courses in January but they have been cancelled again.Must've been infuriating for anyone who was supposed to be on them...

[windscreen]

Did Barbiepp get a job?

[VS-LHRCSA]

The way things are at the moment, futher recruitment in the next year looks doubtful. There are hundreds of people who have been offered employment already and are in holding pools for the various fleets and are waiting for training courses.

The last major recruitment campaign was for permanent Eurofleet LHR, Single Fleet LGW and 11 month temporary LHR. Candidates were only allowed to apply for one fleet and candidates chose this at the time of application. There were some instances where people were offered places on different fleets than which they applied but this was fairly hit and miss and only happened if it suited the company.

The new, mixed flying fleet that they company is wanting to create at LHR could possibly create some employment (not necessarily on that fleet), if it gets the go-ahead, once the holding pools have been depleted but it won't be for some time, I would imagine.

[simon773]

I believe that the internal lists for mainline crew to transfer from a fleet to another will need to be exhausted before starting an external recruitment campaign, i.e. from LGW to LHR or viceversa.

[VS-LHRCSA]

Exactly! And as we have seen in the past, the company will use external recruitment (eg, WW temps) as a way to work through the transfer lists while keeping the operation going.

I wouldn't be surprised if, once the holding pools have been depleted, we see external temps going into 'mid fleet' and then being offered LGW as LGW achieve their LHR transfers. Then again, you know what the company is like - anything can happen.

[Londonlads]

VS-LHRCSA,

"And as we have seen in the past, the company will use external recruitment (eg, WW temps) as a way to work through the transfer lists while keeping the operation going."

To be honest, there has been literally no fleet transfers during the past year when WW temps have been used.

[croggles]

Just to keep you updated, having been on the 19th of Jan course that was cancelled, I have now been offered the 30th of March as have several others i know (all also originally on the 19th). Was told that this is the only course planned at the moment, so grabbed it with both hands.

[speedmarque]

A friend in selection at LHR has a week of selection rostered for FEB. Do not know what base/fleet we need peeps for so keep checking BA Jobs.com

[speedmarque]

and closing 18th Jan.

Dont know which fleet it's for yet though.

[speedmarque]

Good luck to all.

[bne_ba86]

Just received an email from BA today informing me that rather than my successful interview being valid for only 12mths from interview date, it has been extended to 18mths from interview date.

Considering my cut-off date was just around the corner, I'm very relieved to get this kind of news.

Anybody else relieved?

[HZ123]

We have two courses pencilled in for March? Do not build your hopes up too much, it will depend on the projected summer schedule much of which will be assessed on the forward bookings and economic state. The schedules will be out in the about weeks internally.

[jacquelinee]

BA is definitely planning something.

EF is overcrewed by approximately 150 CC per day (even though people say there will be a crew shortage over the summer season). UPL has been offered in huge amounts and - over 600 people are in the current holding pools waiting to be given training!

[pips]

yep
walsh is building his war chest of crew on low pay and poor t&c

[Door_One_Right]

Reminds me of Qantas and their midnight crew training back in 2003. Recruiting and training crew just in case of trouble. From what I've heard, they were paid their basic for 3 months and then let go with ever acually flying.

[speedmarque]

Internal conversations on this new recruitment have resulted in BA admitting the new recruitment plans were released early by mistake and should not have gone live on internet.

As a result NO INTERVIEWS are planned so even if you are successful at application form stage there will be a long wait for interviews.

A new hold pool! Not for courses..........but interviews!

[speedmarque]

This is on our internal forum. With regards to the new recruitment.

This is to advise that current Air Cabin Crew on temporary (11 month fixed-term) contracts do not need to apply for this vacancy should they wish to express an interest in returning to employment with British Airways following the end of their contract. Instead, all current worldwide temporary crew are being invited to attend a discussion with their Cabin Crew Manager prior to the end of their contract during which expressions of interest to return are being noted and considered.

Not such good news for hold-poolers! Sorry for you all but think the temps will take all new positions in the new hold-pool.

[pips]

i dont think temp will be offerd anything,what about gla base.100 job to go on ground lgw. me thinks they come first

[sognandoil380]

HI all,
please I don't find the application form for BA. Could you help me???!!!

[Door_One_Right]

www.britishairwaysjobs.com (http://www.britishairwaysjobs.com)

[jacquelinee]

I also hope that the temporary crew that completed their contracts in November and December last year are also given the option to be placed in the hold-pool should they wish.

[Alann]

Hi guys!

I just received an invitation for an assessment day at Heathrow for the Air Cabin Crew Hold-pool Vacancy!

I booked the 2nd of february in the afternoon. Is anyone else attending at the same date?

Also, they say in the email to follow a link in order to complete the 5 years history but I can't find it... I just sent an email to the recruitment team to find out how to complete the online form.

Cheers

Alann

[student88]

The invite to interview email says that the link will be provided once you've booked an assessment date however the interview confirmation email says one was provided in the invite to assessment email. I guess they've made a mistake and we'll all receive another email tomorrow with the link. Good luck!

S88:ok:

[joshmist03]

Howdi y'all!

Have an assmnt day for 13 feb, cant wait! Anyone else on that day?

Also why is EF permanent and WW fixed term contract?
Which do you go for?

Thanks in advance;)

[Wings99]

Hello,

I have my assesment on the 12th 0830...How have you found out the details of fleets and contracts???

Thank you!

[Wings99]

Hello!

I have my BA assesment day on the 12th of Feb at 0830, anyone else coming on that day? any idea how we can prepare?!

Thanks!:O