Flying High With Aviation Students

Aviation students get a flying start to their careers!

A pair of level 3 aviation operations students from South Essex College have been accepted to take part in the British Airways Apprenticeship Programme, starting in September at Heathrow airport’s terminal 5. Jake Barclay and Daniel Germon were picked from hundreds of applicants and are very excited to start their journey to become high flyers in the world of aviation. Both students chose to study at the college because it was only college in the area that had the course they were looking for.

Jake said: “I looked at other courses at different colleges but this course stood out as having everything that I wanted to get out of the course. I’m so happy I chose college not sixth form because it’s based on the one thing I wanted to get into.”

Daniel added: “Aviation is one of my biggest passions it was great to find a college that offered the course I was looking for so near. If you have a passion for aviation I would 100% recommend  the course because it contains all the knowledge that you will need and  put you in a good place for future employment in the aviation industry.”

Both students have been very impressed by the course and agreed that it covered everything they expected and more. Daniel explained: “One of my biggest passions is aircraft dispatch. The course taught me about weight and balances, right through to how to ensure the plane gets turned around and all the relevant things to do.“

Jake has ambitions to become a pilot and hope that the apprenticeship will help with his plan.
He said: “The great thing about the course is that it gives you so many options, so if I do not become a pilot, I still have the ground operations knowledge from the apprenticeship that I can use to take a different path.” Daniel said that he has felt one hundred percent supported by his tutors, Karen and Tony. He said:“ Karen helped us a lot with applying for the BA ground ops apprenticeship.”  

Both students are delighted to be starting their apprenticeship. Jake said: “There were hundreds and hundreds of applicants, so I feel very lucky to have been accepted. We competed against a lot of people nationally. During the interview we were explaining to the actual employers about the regulations and legislations and I think they were a bit taken a back that we already knew it. It has been amazing.” 

Daniel added: “It is probably the best opportunity I have ever had and should lead me into being a pilot which is the main aim. The course helped us to stand out from the crowd.“