LONDON, 2016-Mar-14 — /Travel PR News/ — British Airways believes it can boast the UK’s longest serving former apprentice. Keith Hayward, 86, joined British Airways’ predecessor, British South American Airways as a traffic apprentice in 1945, and has been with the airline ever since.
Currently a volunteer in the airline’s archive and heritage centre, Keith has 70 years of memories of his service for British Airways. From witnessing the first flight from Heathrow airport, operated by an unpressurised Lancastrian, to flying royalty around the world, Keith can now be found overseeing the airline’s archives and introducing new recruits to British Airways’ long and illustrious history – much of it from personal experience.
Keith said: “British Airways has a proud history of offering apprenticeships and I’m living proof that it can be the first step to a long and successful career. In my current role, I particularly enjoy meeting new apprentices and relating to their enthusiasm and awe as they embark on their training programmes with the airline.”
To mark National Apprenticeship Week, British Airways will next week invite applicants to join its new intake of apprentices. One hundred and forty places will be available to school leavers on one of its seven programmes. From head office to engineering, there is a scheme to suit all skills and ambitions. All the schemes offer excellent training and real hands on experience in the dynamic field of aviation.
Karen Hewitt, British Airways’ apprentice and graduate manager, said: “Apprenticeships are an excellent way to introduce talent to the work place. You can learn new skills and gain vital on-the-job experience, all while earning a wage. We are particularly proud of the retention rate of our apprentices – the majority of whom gain employment with the airline after their programme ends. A shining example of our success in retaining apprentices is of course Keith Hayward, still here after 70 years – a sign that British Airways could well have the best apprenticeship scheme in the UK!”*
Pictured with Keith is Ellie Haran, who is currently on the Head Office apprenticeship scheme. Ellie said: “Joining British Airways as an apprentice was exactly the right decision for me. I was keen to join the workforce rather than continue in formal education – yet I still wanted some support to learn what was required to build a successful career. The first few months of my apprenticeship have been fantastic – I’ve planned and managed events and even been on a trip to one of our charity projects in Cape Town.”
Further information on apprenticeships at British Airways can be found at www.ba.com/careers
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For more information please contact press.office@ba.com
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British Airways now accepts applications for its Apprenticeship programmes