I've worked in recruitment for the last 10 years; I absolutely love it
Recruitment wasn't my ultimate destination however; my dream has been to one day become a Commercial Pilot. But hey, I'm still working on that one – i've got my Private Pilot's Licence (PPL), and I know one day I will take this further; watch this space! Yet, since embarking on my recruitment journey back in 2014, I've discovered an unexpected passion: the power to unlock people's potential and shape the success of a brand. Talent Acquisition isn't just about filling roles, it's about showcasing stories that make a difference; stories that can really shape and impact the careers of those around you, and the success of the business.
I look after our Cabin Crew recruitment - I absolutely love it!
My time at British Airways has been a thrilling ride. From orchestrating opportunities to leverage our brand, through public events social media, I've relished every opportunity to showcase the very best of British Airways to our future colleagues. Becoming a go-to expert in aviation recruitment? Well that's been the icing on the cake.
I'm at the helm of end-to-end recruitment for Cabin Crew, having previously also led Emerging Talent (Early Careers), technical recruitment areas such as Engineering, and head office functions including Marketing, Digital & Customer Experience.
Looking after on average 30,000+ applications annually, delivering an average of 3,000 new colleagues to the business annually, is no small feat. As a strategic partner to various stakeholders, I've spearheaded recruitment strategies that hit the mark. Leading a top-notch in-house team, we've redefined service delivery with a focus on colleague and candidate experience, diversity and inclusion, and bolstering our employer brand.
In a nutshell, I'm not just filling seats; I'm sculpting the future of aviation talent, one hire at a time.
Looking for a career in the skies with a premium airline that values and embraces your individuality? Well, look no further. Join us in soaring to new heights and experiencing the world in ways you've only dreamed of. Embark on a journey with us and become part of a team that's dedicated to delivering unparalleled service and creating unforgettable experiences for passengers worldwide.
Welcome on board!
My colleagues; they are the best bunch of people I've ever worked with
I simply could not do my job without the relationships i've built with my colleagues - both in my team but across the whole airline.
What truly sets my current position apart and makes it an absolute joy to be a part of is the incredible dynamic among my colleagues. Walking into work feels less like stepping into an office and more like entering a vibrant community buzzing with energy and support. These aren't just coworkers; they're the kind of people who effortlessly blend professionalism with warmth, turning even the most mundane tasks into opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Beyond merely being colleagues, they have become an integral part of my professional journey, fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual respect. It's not just about working together; it's about the genuine connections we've formed, which make every day enjoyable and fulfilling. Their diverse perspectives, expertise, and willingness to help each other out create an atmosphere where everyone can thrive and grow. In essence, my colleagues are more akin to a family, and that's something truly special and rewarding.
Each day brings with it new opportunities to learn from one another's diverse perspectives and expertise. And in an environment where everyone's contributions are valued and celebrated, it's impossible not to feel inspired to be at my best.
If it's not 'now', doesn't mean it's 'never' - dream big; be curious
My career path has been anything but straight forward. As a young boy not quite tall enough to reach the kitchen counter, I had big dreams - I always knew I wanted to be a Pilot, in particular for British Airways. True story - in primary school, as a reward for doing my homework, my parents drove me around Heathrow Airport on the weekend so I could spot the BA planes...this still happens today, except I’m the one doing the driving.
I spent my time in education tailoring everything I was doing towards becoming a pilot, ultimately landing a place on a fantastic course at Bucks New University - Air Transport with Pilot Training - which gave me a holistic view of the industry, past present and future, while also allowing me to gain my Pilot's licence; awesome!
However, reality hit hard when I graduated - mainly due to the cost of training and limited support options the industry offered at the time for Pilots with low/no hours; as a graduate, continuing my flight training wasn't an option at this point.
I was however determined to get to British Airways as I knew in my heart this was where I wanted to be. Upon graduating I started my first professional job in recruitment - it was tough, the hours long, but I kept an open mind and remained steadfast on my journey towards my end goal. I quickly realised that held a deep passion for the ability to help others get the best out of themselves and found an opportunity to specialise my recruitment portfolio towards aviation, steadily building my credibility in the field, from which I naturally found my way to a fantastic opportunity at British Airways, where I remain today - it's honestly a dream come true to be able to help others on their own journey but to also represent such a brand I’ve looked up to since I was a child, and to have a direct role in its future success.
Reflecting on my journey, my biggest takeaway is the realisation that life is circumstantial - you don't know what happens next. What matters is how you respond to the cards you've been dealt and make the most of opportunities that come your way - there is a lesson in every experience, that much is true. If you have a dream, dream big, and allow yourself to approach life curiously - you never know what you might allow yourself to achieve, even if it's not what you set out to do.
So, if you’re on your own individual journey, in summary I would advise embracing flexibility and keeping an open mind. Recognise that success may not always come on your terms and timelines, but that doesn't diminish the value of your efforts or the potential for future opportunities. Stay persistent, stay curious, and trust that your path will unfold in its own time.
Gaining my Private Pilot's Licence (PPL)
I'm incredibly proud of achieving my Private Pilot's Licence (PPL). It wasn't just about mastering the technical skills required to fly an aircraft, although that was certainly a significant aspect. It represented a journey of dedication, perseverance, and a deep passion for aviation.
Obtaining my PPL involved rigorous training, countless hours of study, and hands-on experience navigating the complexities of flight. From mastering pre-flight inspections to confidently communicating with air traffic control, every step of the process demanded discipline and focus.
Beyond the technicalities, earning my PPL instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility. As a pilot, I understand the paramount importance of safety protocols and the need for meticulous planning before every flight. It's a responsibility I take very seriously and one that continuously challenges me to prioritise the well-being of myself, and those around me. Crucially, this appreciate for safety and security is something I've taken on my professional career which has allowed me to hit the ground running at British Airways given the synergy in the importance of upholding these behaviours.
Perhaps what I'm most proud of is the personal growth that accompanied this achievement. Overcoming the challenges inherent in learning to fly has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the rewards of pushing beyond my comfort zone. It's an accomplishment that has shaped not only my professional aspirations but also my outlook on life, reinforcing the belief that with dedication and determination, anything is possible.
