Coleg y Cymoedd engineering apprentice lands full time spot with British Airways

An engineering learner at Coleg y Cymoedd has landed a full-time position at British Airways (BA), after impressing bosses with his qualifications and hard work during an apprenticeship.

Arjundeep Singh, 21, studied an NVQ Level 3 Engineering Manufacture – Fit & Assemble and Level 3 BTEC in Engineering at Coleg y Cymoedd as part of his apprenticeship with British Airways, achieving a double distinction * leading to him securing a permanent role at the airline.

Having always had a love of maths and physics, Arjundeep, from Cardiff, was inspired by his father’s job as a research and design engineer to pursue a career in engineering. 

While studying for his BTEC in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at Cymoedd, he was awarded ‘Student of the Year’ and ‘Best Work’ learner award from the college, as well as ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at the Caerphilly Business Forum Awards (which he was nominated for by the college). Alongside his BTEC course, Arjundeep completed a work based NVQ Level 3 qualification at British Airways Interior Engineering, based in Caerphilly, which was the perfect fit given his interest in aviation.

After receiving his results last summer, he continued to work as an apprentice with British Airways for several months before being offered full time employment at the company, working within the materials team which handles supply chain activity.

Now, nine months into his full-time position, Arjundeep is working as a Material Administrator within the Procurement and Supply department, where he helps to action buying plans and works closely with suppliers and major stakeholders, tackling any material supply issues and ensuring compliance with procedures and safety regulations.

Speaking about his success in securing the role, Arjundeep said: “I felt very proud when I secured the position as it showed that my hard work had paid off. I’ve learnt many new skills since I’ve joined British Airways, including how to use industry systems and how to manage relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. It’s also provided me with great experience of working in a professional office and boosted my confidence.

“British Airways has presented me so many opportunities for career progression too including supporting me to complete additional qualifications. I am currently studying towards my Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply certificate (MCIPS).”

The former Coleg y Cymoedd ‘Apprentice Student of the Year’ says that the hands-on nature of both his BTEC and NVQ courses at the college, which have an emphasis on practical teaching around real-life situations, placed him in good stead for his apprenticeship and subsequent full-time and permanent employment with British Airways.

“My time at Coleg y Cymoedd gave me a great head start as the course explored engineering in depth with great practical elements, all while teaching me to use my initiative and problem-solve, which has been a great life lesson for the workplace.

“The state-of-the-art tools, equipment, and machinery at the college allowed me to learn what it would be really like in the industry and confirmed I wanted to work within it.

“Although it was difficult to meet my tutors in person through parts of my course, due to pandemic disruption, the college made sure learners felt supported – they really went out of their way, even driving up to British Airways just to drop off papers for my NVQ.”

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