First year BTEC Level 3 Travel and Tourism student, Cara Cassidy, has secured a highly sought-after placement with British Airways.

The placement will give Cara a unique insight into different aspects of BA’s operations, especially the work of  cabin crew. She will be able to participate in the brand new intensive entrant training for cabin crew and spend time at Heathrow’s Terminal 5 which is exclusively used by British Airways. The placement also involves a stint at BA’s headquarters where she will learn about the ‘behind the scenes’ work of the company first hand. 

Cara, supported by Blackpool Sixth’s travel and tourism team, has been researching job opportunities with BA.  She responded to an advert about placement opportunities and was chosen for the highly selective programme. Her career aim is to secure a job as cabin crew with the company, so the placement is an excellent stepping-stone towards that goal.

The former Cardinal Allen Catholic High School student is aiming for the highest grade possible in her current studies, a triple distinction star.  She has relished the travel and tourism course at Blackpool Sixth. She commented,  “I have most enjoyed the practical and interactive assignments where you do your own research for booking people’s holidays.” 

Travel and tourism teacher, Anna Pace said, “Cara’s passion for Travel and Tourism and the role of cabin crew has been clearly evident from Day 1. She has taken the initiative herself to apply and secure a much sought-after work experience placement with British Airways. We are very proud of her achievements so far and looking forward to supporting her in her studies here at college and excited to see how her bright future will unfold.” 

The placement was to have begun in mid-May but has been postponed due to the Coronavirus situation.  However, BA have said that they will hold it open for Cara until May 2021.