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Meet Balwant, 22, an aircraft engineer for British Airways at Heathrow Airport. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.

The hardest part was the interview process and getting onto the apprenticeship. From there, everyone just helps you work your way through.

What is your job?

I work on line maintenance and we turn around planes when they come to Heathrow Airport. We get planes ready to go on their next flight by carrying out any maintenance needed. I work in the cabin engineering department, so we look after everything in the cabin. We carry out checks on things like seats, lights or in-flight entertainment, then we fix any problems.

What subjects did you study?

I took all required GCSEs and Food Technology, Music and Business Studies. I achieved A-levels in Maths, Chemistry, Music and English Literature. I use maths a lot in my job. It was part of the module that I studied to get my licence to carry out aircraft maintenance work. I’m also part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, so I have a BTEC in Aviation Studies and in Public Services.

Is this the job you always wanted to do?

I actually wanted to be a pilot. I realised that I was not as academic as I needed to be to become a pilot. So, I did work experience in engineering, and decided I loved it! My work experience at British Airways was not like the work experience I’d done elsewhere. I was actually given tools to work with. It was hands-on and that probably influenced my decision to take the route that I followed. I’m glad I chose this route – I'm really happy.

How did you get into your job?

I applied online for the British Airways Apprenticeship Programme. There was a one-to-one interview, a group interview and written exercises. Then we went off for a day of team working. I got a call two days before I finished my exams to say I had got the job!

Top tips

• Try to get work experience. I know it’s hard but try to push for it

• Try to do day visits and speak to people in the industry because they are the best people to ask for advice

• In aviation, people think that a pilot is the only route to take – there’s so much more. When airlines have open days, go to them.

What to expect if you want to be an engineer

• How many people work in the engineering sector?
• What can you earn in different roles?
• What routes can you take to get in?
• Is the demand for engineers expected to grow in the future?

Watch the film to find out the answers to these questions, and much more!

Other resources

• See what type of engineering role might suit you with the
• Find out more about the different areas of engineering with this
• Learn more about roles in engineering with the
• Discover a practical new way to study via .

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: , , and .

Find work experience placements with Workfinder.

Tips and advice
Help with interviews, writing a CV and all things work experience related.