After completing her Level 3 in Travel and Tourism at Eastleigh College, Grace is living her dream working for British Airways. Grace initially decided to study at a sixth form College and quickly realised life at Eastleigh College suited her better, due to the hands-on experience the course offered. Grace explains; “It didn’t feel like I was going to school like it did at the sixth form and I felt like it was actually going to prepare me for a career in something I wanted to do.”
After completing her course, Grace applied for a Cabin Crew role at British Airways, where she pipped 146 other recruits to the post and landed herself her dream job. The Cabin Crew element of the course was a real selling point for Grace, because this is the area she wanted to progress onto. The unique training offered at College includes fire training and mock interviews, which helped to put Grace a step ahead of everyone else. Grace highlights, “Nothing prepares you for an interview, but the mock one I did at College was the closest thing I’d done to a real interview for a job in the industry. It put me ahead of everyone else.”
She also explains, “My course covered fire training which was similar to a task set in the selection process at British Airways, so I knew what to expect, whereas most others hadn’t been taught it.”
Grace describes her time at College, “It was honestly the best time of my life and it’s prepared me in every way.” Whilst at College, Grace won an award for Outstanding Student which gave her confidence and helped her realise her potential. She comments, “It boosted my confidence and without that, I wouldn’t have been confident enough to go for this job, because it’s a tough industry to get into.”
Since working at British Airways, Grace has progressed her career further, working in first class, dealing with famous customers which include Prince Harry! Grace has also had the opportunity to fly her family to various locations, making them very proud of her success.
Being at College was the best time of my life. I was treated like an adult and felt like I was being prepared for a career in something I wanted to do.
To find out more about the Travel and Tourism full-time courses available, visit the careers web page, call 023 8091 1299 or email goplaces@eastleigh.ac.uk.
Luke, Business Admin
Level 3 Diploma Business Administration
Luke used his Business Administration course to excel in a career as an Account Manager for a finance company, complete with his own company car!
Rachel - Accountancy apprentice
Level 2 Accountancy | Levels 3 & 4 Accountancy Apprenticeship
Rachel was steered to study A-Levels but soon realised she would do better in more work-focused education, and now she's thriving in her chosen career.