Virgin Atlantic to mark National Apprenticeship Week with events programme

Virgin Atlantic is marking National Apprenticeship Week 2026 by hosting young people and families at a series of events showcasing early-career opportunities.

The airline, which operates more than 150 apprenticeships across 45 programmes spanning engineering, operations and data and AI, has designed a schedule aimed at “bringing apprenticeships to life”.

On Thursday, the carrier will open up its Heathrow engineering hangar for a behind-the-scenes experience for students from local partner school Space Studio West London.

During the visit, students will meet Virgin Atlantic’s engineering team, learn about apprenticeship career pathways and see aircraft maintenance in action.

The experience will aim to “spark curiosity, build confidence and inspire the next generation of engineering talent”, the airline said.

Two further events will take place on Friday. First, charity partner Stem Learning will co-host a virtual panel for schools and teachers across the UK. The panel will consist of Virgin Atlantic staff who began their careers as apprentices and have since progressed into roles across the business.

Hosted by Mark Cox, the airline’s head of aircraft maintenance, the panel will feature station manager Tom Minto, technical operations engineer Sophie Kelly and engineering technicians Dhru Bhudia and Omer Cinar, who will offer first-hand insight into how apprenticeships can lead to long-term careers at Virgin Atlantic.

Later that day, the airline will invite colleagues and up to two guests aged 13 and over to step inside its CAE centre, providing a chance to see flight simulators, engineering demonstrations and the uniforms department.

There will also be hands-on activities showcasing aircraft engineering, cabin crew safety skills and the future of AI and technology at Virgin Atlantic.

Virgin Atlantic chief people officer Becky Woodmansee said: “National Apprenticeship Week shines a light on the powerful role apprenticeships play in shaping the future of our industry.

“Our people are at the heart of everything we do and by opening our doors to families, schools and our teams, we’re showcasing the incredible career opportunities available at Virgin Atlantic. 

“We’re proud to inspire the next generation to see aviation as a place where they can learn, grow and build a rewarding career.”