Originally Posted by
Hardrod
CX Alternatives
Few days left. British Airways is now taking on Cadets application til April 26th. 6 years bond. Fully funded by BA.
BNO visa gives you right to work and live in the UK. 100 spots. Highly competitive. Worth for a try tho.
https://careers.ba.com/speedbird-pil...my-preparation
Requirements:
- You'll be 17-55 years of age to apply and 18 years of age to start training
- Six GCSEs grade A-C or 5-9, including Maths, English and a Science or equivalent qualifications
- Fluent in English (and, if applicable, have achieved ICAO Level 6 on completion of training). For non-native English speakers, you will need a certificate proving you have achieved International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Level 5.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any individual area (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking). This must be the Academic test, not General Training
- A valid passport which permits unrestricted worldwide travel
- Your height must be between 1.57m (5'2") and 1.90m (6'3"). If you’re taller than 1.90m, you may submit an application, but may be required to undergo a functionality check
- Able to obtain and hold a UK CAA Class 1 medical with no restrictions and meet British Airways medical criteria
- Before training starts, you must have completed referencing and pre-employment checks to the satisfactory standard and supply satisfactory UK and international Criminal Record Checks
- Have the right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship
Detailed FAQ - See PDF
Do I need IELTS 5.5 to apply?
You don’t need this to apply. If you are successful, you would need to obtain this before commencing your training.
Can any of the selection stages be done remotely?
All the selection stages will be held in person at Heathrow.
I have higher education than GCSE, but don’t meet the GCSE requirements, can I still apply?
You will need to meet the GCSE requirement as advertised to apply, regardless of any other qualification you may hold.
Will preference be given to those with A Levels/Degrees?
You need to meet the GCSE requirements as detailed in the application criteria. Further or higher education are not part of the application criteria.
I have a foreign passport with the right to live and work in the UK, can I apply?
As long as your passport allows you unrestricted worldwide travel, you can apply.
Not sure if we should thank the HK Government or not, because if it wasn't them, the UK government wouldn't bother to change the Immigration policy for us, and we would still not be eligible to apply, even though we met all the requirements except working rights. Reading on their website, I can immediately notice the difference between CX and BA recruitment. Clear, concise, transparent, educational, and informative, it's like heaven and earth comparing with CX. And the Standard, something that is missing at CX.
Cathay's door is always open because they are desperate, but BA does not. I would encourage everyone that meets their academic requirements to give it a try.
Having rights to live and work in another country did not come easily.
More info on this thread
Speedbird Pilot Academy - Funded