From CareersFest to Career Inspiration: Artie’s British Airways Journey
A conversation at Godalming College's CareersFest event in March 2026 opened the door to an exciting opportunity for student Artie, giving him a unique insight into careers with British Airways.
Artie attended a talk delivered by British Airways while he was in the Lower Sixth. He was so inspired by the guest speakers that he stayed back at the end to ask questions about flying and what it was like to travel the world for work. Following this, he took advice from his tutor to go back at the end of the day, and he shared his contact details with one of the speakers, Godalming alumnus Nick Lee. Artie’s initiative and communication made such a strong impression, that when Nick returned to the College Careers Fair in April, he asked reception to find Artie to present him with a ‘golden ticket’.
The golden ticket marked the beginning of a series of experiences designed to give Artie first-hand insight into the aviation sector. Artie has gained valuable advice on interview preparation, learned about the wide range of career opportunities available at British Airways and received guidance on how to stand out during the application process. He has also attended a workshop on building a personal brand, helping him develop the confidence and professional skills needed for future career success.
In August, Artie went to the engineering hangars for BA at Heathrow and saw the Boeing 777, Airbus A380, and watched them replace the engine of an A350. This month he headed to terminal five for a tour of the terminal, and was able to board an A350 awaiting its flight to Las Vegas, sitting in the captain’s seat and investigating the flight deck.
Reflecting on the experience at the end of his first year at Godalming, Artie said “I felt very surprised and shocked at the start, since I never knew that BA offered this golden ticket programme! Once Nick explained what it was and everything that it included, I was excited and incredibly grateful that he had done this for me. I also felt like my goal of becoming a pilot, which I have had since I was a child, was now actually starting to happen. Achieving this place on the programme has massively boosted my confidence that I will be able to achieve my goal of becoming a BA pilot, since I now feel like I really have an actual chance to get onto British Airways' Speedbird Program!”
Artie's story highlights the value of engaging with employers, asking questions and making the most of opportunities available through the College's careers programme. His experience demonstrates how a single conversation can lead to invaluable industry connections and real-world insight into a future career.
We asked him if he had any words of advice for other students attending a careers fair:
“I would say go for every opportunity that presents itself, and find the space to create your own opportunities. If you can attend something relating to your interests, you can get your foot in the door and speak to people and build relationships with people in the industry or company you want to go into, and that can be a huge help, as people can provide you with information, tips and even amazing opportunities like the golden ticket programme. I think talking to people is huge; putting yourself out there, not being afraid of unwanted outcomes, and making the effort to be passionate and kind towards people, so they can see first-hand that you are committed to your interest, and a great possible recruit or employee. As well as that, engaging when people talk, and smiling, staying focused, and looking interested and passionate really helps. If you are asked a question or get the opportunity to speak, then say things and contribute to the subject.”
At the beginning of next year, Artie will apply to the BA Speedbird scheme, and his valuable experiences will be highly beneficial to his application. After a series of online assessments, including judgement questions and listening accuracy tests, successful candidates undergo more in-depth psychometric testing and assessments, followed by a full assessment day. It’s a competitive scheme, with over 20,000 applications in 2025 and only 200 places, but an excellent opportunity for those with the drive and passion to succeed. We look forward to seeing how his career takes flight.
Staff were so impressed by Artie that he was recently nominated for the Godalming Cross-College Communication Award, in recognition of his confidence, professionalism and willingness to put himself forward.
