Hi.

There are many pilots working at British Airways who have had previous careers. There are several ways to approach this, from applying to the Speedbird Pilot Academy to self funding your training. I would recommend looking at our recruitment pages for advice and we have webinars for those wanting to be future pilots.

British Airways Pilot Recruitment

I hope this is helpful!

Kate

13 October, 2025 13:33

Hi -

Just because you chose a safe route to begin with, doesn't mean that it was the wrong choice. It gives you something to fall back onto should you find yourself unable to get on the path for a little while. If becoming a pilot is what you truly want to do, then go for it! It probably seems a little daunting to change directions and although you may often hear 20 is still young enough to change careers, it doesn't mean it's not scary.

You can use this apprenticeship to your advantage, get some management and team working experience, use the time to build examples of scenarios where you can demonstrate that you have the skills to be a pilot. If you can, maybe save up some money and put it towards an aviation career.

You are most certainly not alone, I know many pilots that have changed paths, some nurses and doctors, some architects and lawyers just to name a few.

I hope this has helped, all the best in whatever you decide to do :)

Chloe

13 October, 2025 13:33