A HIGH price is no longer clipping the wings of wannabe airline pilots.
While traditionally would-be aviators have had to pay huge fees of between £70,000 and £130,000 to fund commercial flying courses, two UK airlines have launched free programmes to make the coveted career much more accessible.
Earlier this year, the Jet2FlightPath scheme offered places to 60 trainees, with one in five successful applications coming from women.
Next week, the UK’s biggest fully funded pilot training programme opens with 160 places available at the British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy.
This is the fourth year the scheme has run and the airline is investing millions in covering the entire £100,000 cost of pilot training for successful candidates over two years.
All trainees who complete the scheme are guaranteed a flying role with BA on completion.
Ryan Watson is a British Airways Airbus A320 pilot and joined the airline through the Speedbird Academy.
The 24-year-old from Aberdeen said: “Had I saved and paid for training privately, I wouldn’t be in the flight deck until I was in my thirties and in significant debt.
“The scheme is truly open to anyone. If, like me, you have always wanted to fly, go for it.
“In my three months of flying so far, I have visited 15 countries and seen indescribable views.
“From sunrise over the Alps, to the stunning Greek islands, this is the best office in the world.
“If you are thinking of applying, take time to read all the supporting information on the British Airways website, as well as details from the flight schools.
“Events such as Pilot Careers Live can give you an idea of what to expect in the selection stages and in flight training.
The Academy has made a big impact on my life, giving me a direct route into my dream job.”
Sean Doyle, British Airways’ CEO, said: “We want the very best talent out there for our future generation of pilots.
“By removing the costs, we’re opening up the opportunity to more people and making a flying career more accessible to all.
“I’m proud that we’re able to give people the opportunity to follow their dream of becoming a pilot when they may have previously written off the option because of cost.”
So far, almost 50 pilots have come through the Speedbird scheme and the airline works with community groups to encourage applications from people who may have been put off owing to the cost.
The programme is open to trainees aged 17 to 58 years of age, but you will need to be 18 or over at the start of training.
Applicants will need six GCSEs grade A-C or 4-9, including Maths, English Language and a Science or equivalent qualifications, and hold a valid passport that permits unrestricted worldwide travel.
Up to 25,000 people apply for the programme each year so candidates are advised to apply early when the scheme opens on April 14.
Simon Cheadle, British Airways’ Director of Flight Operations, added: “We’re incredibly proud to open our doors once again to people who may never have believed a career as a pilot was within reach.
“The response to the Speedbird Pilot Academy in previous years has been extraordinary, and the calibre of applicants shows just how much talent is out there — talent that simply needs the opportunity.”
lApply for the Speedbird Pilot Academy from April 14 to April 23 at careers.ba.com. And find out more about the next Jet2 scheme at jet2careers.com/vacancy/6936.
CHANGED RIGHTS
THE new Employment Rights Act 2025 came into force this week and it will pay to know how it affects you. STEVEN ECKETT, of law firm Gilson Gray, explains some of the key points . . .
1. Protection from unfair dismissal after just six months: Previously the protection began after two years of employment.
Combined with the removal of the financial cap on unfair dismissal compensation, it means decisions by employers on dismissing staff during the early stages of their employment now need to be handled much more carefully.
2. Flexible working becomes a right from day one: For their part, employers must now follow stricter rules and provide clearer, more meaningful reasons if they refuse a request for flexible hours.
3. New family rights from the moment you start a job: Paternity leave and unpaid parental leave are now day-one rights for workers. Notice requirements have also been simplified.
4. Sick pay will start immediately: Statutory Sick Pay is now payable from the first day of illness, removing the current three unpaid waiting days. SSP is also now available to workers who earn less than the current lower earnings threshold of £123 per week.
5. A clampdown on “fire and rehire”: Employers are now required to consult properly and follow much clearer processes before attempting major contractual changes. While the practice has not been banned entirely, the new rules aim to curb the worst abuses.
6. More predictable hours for zero-hours workers: Workers now have stronger rights to request predictable hours and receive better protection from last-minute shift cancellations that leave them out of pocket.
Changes to strike action and trade union membership: Since February, it has been automatically unfair to dismiss someone for taking part in lawful industrial action.
Other procedures, including balloting, are being modernised, while trade unions now have greater rights of access to businesses.
Employers have to give their staff a written statement informing them they have the legal right to join a trade union.
NOT-GOOD FRIDAY
EASTER may be only just over but HR departments already have their eye on next year’s celebration.
Why? Because it falls early, on March 28 – and this means there will be TWO Easters – and so two sets of bank holidays – in the same holiday-leave year.
This so-called “fat year” causes havoc not just for the Easter Bunny, but also company holiday quotas.
Nicole Whittaker, of HR specialist Peninsula, says: “Employers whose annual leave year runs from April 1 to March 31 will have to manage a fat year.
“If your contract of employment states that employees get one Good Friday off a year, then you won’t be automatically entitled to take the second one.”
‘GIFT OF TIME’ PLEA
A WORKPLACE campaign aims to encourage volunteering and boost employee morale at the same time – as UK charities report a shortfall of three million unpaid helpers.
The Royal Voluntary Service today unveils its 100 Million Hour Movement, which sets a target of doubling staff volunteering hours from 50million by the end of 2028.
Carole Urey, chief revenue officer of the RVS, said: “We’re calling on UK employers to sign a pledge to grow participation in volunteering and join our movement to create positive, lasting change across workplaces and communities.”
For more information or to pledge your support, see royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk100millionhours.
JOBSPOT
BP RETAIL has vacancies nationwide for assistant store managers and customer service staff in its garages. Find out more at bpretailjobs.co.uk
HEALTH and beauty chain Savers has 75 open roles including for store managers and sales assistants. Visit savers.jobs/search
