Speedbird Pilot Academy - Funded
 

Looks like BA have decided to start funding training through their training partners.

60 slots, I will definitely be applying. :)

Can't post links but just give "Speedbird Pilot Academy" a google.

The competition for those slots will be fierce.

Up to 60

Nationality requirements for Speedbirt Pilot Academy
 

Do you have to be a UK citizen/resident in order to apply?

Here's the link...


https://mediacentre.britishairways.c...MNg-qMh1mXd-tU

great to hear, will be very competitive!

I'd imagine you'd need to and/or have rights to work within the UK.

Its times like these I wish I'd paid attention more at school, don't have the grades to apply,
only got gnvqs and btec diplomas from college so i don't believe they'll be enough for equivalents unfortunately, guess il have to stick to driving trains.

It`s more fun then driving a bus .!!

Get some GCSEs? No reason to assume you’re stuck with whatever you left school with.

If you wanted it enough you could easily get the last few GCSEs you need by next year.

I love this suggestion. Great to see this kind of encouragement! It's never too late :)

Just be aware there are two tiers of GCSE most school students will sit the higher tier where grade A is possible but there is also a foundation tier with a maximum grade of C or 5 because it's easier. However, lots of colleges, universities & employers do not recognise foundation tier passes as a high enough entry standard & having seen some of the questions I agree. Do maths & physics as that will help with ATPLs.

Well to find a fully funded program like this seems quite rare?
No way I could afford something like easyjet offer where you have to pay the money upfront so even if I did get the grades it wouldn't be in time for this campaign anyway.
Also just turned 40 so not exactly an ideal age is it compared to the amount of younger individuals who will be applying.

I wouldn't rule yourself out, if you joined the railway after Train Driver training followed the Apprenticeship model, then you'll have the passed the "Functional Skills" assessments in English, Mathematics and ICT (each I believe equivalent to a "C" grade at GCSE) or had the equivalent GCSEs, which would likely boost your academic qualifications. You'll also have an Apprenticeship Certificate. They'll probably get applications with people who've got qualifications abroad but who have British residency etc. and sometimes what is equivalent or not is a bit of a minefield.

You've also mentioned BTECs and depending at the level these are at, they may be equivalent to GCSE or A-Level.

If in doubt, I'd be tempted to apply anyway, you have nothing to lose by doing so and the fact you've had a year of intensive training for your current job and passed it, along with the responsibility and experience your current role offers, should add a lot of weight to your application.

My guy - don't give up! The age range is 18-55, if 40 were too old they wouldn't waste their time accepting applications.
They also plan to run the programme for at least the next years, hopefully indefinitely, so it's not too late to apply next year after getting any relevant qualifications.
They'll also be VERY interested in your passion, dedication and maturity. GO FOR IT!

Interested to see how many more mature candidate make it in. I applied 30 years ago and max age was 30, I was 2 months past but applied and was rejected due to age. I appealed, but to no avail. I assume these days they cannot discriminate on age so good luck to all who apply.

Hey guys,

did anyone record the speedbird academy teams call today, they had a live Q&A on teams

I tried to, but was having technical difficulties, did anyone manage to get in the call? Anything interesting that they said ?

Q&A Call
 

Some key points included:

• Accommodation, food allowance and substance allowance provided
• Application window will open in September
• Flight school assessment in October
• BA assessment in November
• Offers made in November
• Training commence Q1 2024
• Could be based at Heathrow, Gatwick or London City (BA, Euroflyer, Cityflyer) on either A320 fleet or Embraer
• Choice of 5 different fleet types after initial freeze (6 years).
• Starting salary of £34,000

Selection:

• Online application - you'll be asked about your motivation to join British Airways and Maths and situational judgement test.
• Video interview - you will have to record your answers
• Flight school technical test - assess your ability to work under pressure and see how you react to increasing workload with various computer based tests from the cut-e suite
• Flight School Group exercise - assess your ability to work in a team, with a scenario you may face in your day-to-day role as a Pilot at British Airways.
• Flight School Interview - demonstrate you have what it takes to become a BA pilot.
• British Airways Assessment - interview and group exercise. There will be a presentation from the team to talk to you about life as a BA Pilot and also a chance to visit Speedbird Heritage Centre at Waterside​​​​​​​

Very helpful thank you Pablopal