Having turned a passion for aviation into a career opportunity with Virgin Atlantic, Beatrice shares how our BTEC in Travel with Aviation helped her build confidence, resilience and industry expertise.
Why did you choose BTEC Travel with Aviation and Kingston College?
After having been a member of air cadets, as well as engaging with my local flight school, this course seemed like the perfect next step for me, and the fact that such a local and easily accessible college offered it was incredible.
What attracted you to studying this course rather than A Levels?
As someone who has always struggled more with classroom-based lectures and exams, I found the whole process of a BTEC to align with my personal learning style far better, as it meant I could demonstrate my knowledge through coursework and only 2 exams.
What are your plans after you finish your course?
As my time at college came to an end, I started the interview process for a role with Virgin Atlantic, my dream airline. I now find myself an avid employee, engaging with a 6 month placement at the Virgin Heathrow clubhouse, before moving to the sky!
How have you grown as a person during your time at Kingston College?
I found every step to have its own benefits. The course included several roleplay and presentation-based modules. These really helped me to find confidence in not just being in front of a class speaking, but also in my actual self-knowledge and understanding.
What are you most proud of achieving?
Truthfully, I am most proud to be able to stand here and say that I finished my course. Throughout this last year I have faced a lot, completing 4 months of my course externally and independently, and then to have finished my last few assignments from my hospital bed. Yet, despite it all, I got to attend my graduation, stand on the stage beside my friends and say it's all done.
What would you say to someone thinking about studying your course?
That it truly is an incredible course, that despite the modules naturally having their ups and downs, it all comes together to create an amazing vast knowledge of the industry. Not to mention the brilliant tutors you will be gifted, they will offer you all they can and help you the whole way. If this is something you are interested in, then absolutely go for it, and engage!! Put the hard work in, and you'll get the most from it.
What have you enjoyed most about your course?
As I'm sure most would say, the trips! My favourite experience has definitely got to be the British Airways experience day, getting to go and train as cabin crew for a whole day was such an incredible experience.
What skills have you developed during your time here?
A whole lot of resilience and at least a bucket of that just going towards the unit 18 essay, that felt like a BOOK! Goodness, it just kept going! But, how wonderful you feel within yourself upon completion, is worth it all.
How have your tutors supported you?
My tutors have truly been my pillars in my second year. They were always there. A special shout out to Mateo- the number of hours he must've spent going through the unit 2 exam content with me. He never failed to boost me, when it all felt too much. So trust me, you are in undoubtedly the best possible hands.
