Hear from Lisa about her time studying on our BTEC Level 3 Aviation Operations:
"I chose BTEC Aviation Operations with Travel & Tourism because I was passionate about aviation but wasn't sure which career path to follow. The course introduced me to the wide range of roles within the industry and helped me discover my ambition to become an Air Traffic Controller.
“I preferred college to A Levels because it gave me the opportunity to study a subject I genuinely enjoyed. The supportive environment and approachable tutors made a real difference to my experience, motivating me to achieve my best and helping me prepare for the apprenticeship application process.
“Some of the highlights of the course included visits to British Airways Headquarters and Brooklands Museum, as well as valuable work experience with British Airways. I also enjoyed studying alongside classmates who shared the same passion for aviation, including student pilots and students already working at airports, which helped me learn even more about the industry.
“I would highly recommend the course to anyone interested in aviation. It provides invaluable industry insight, exciting opportunities and a strong foundation for a future career in the sector, even if you're completely new to aviation."
FULL CASE STUDY
I chose Aviation Operations (with Travel & Tourism add-on) because at the time I loved everything to do with Aviation, but I didn’t know exactly what to specialise in. Doing this course, helped me discover all the different roles that are involved in Aviation and how important each role is. This course made me discover my passion of becoming an Air Traffic Controller.
I knew I didn’t want to do A Levels because I already disliked secondary school and also felt as though A Levels were too general. College was perfect for me because I was extremely passionate about Aviation so I could go in everyday being happy about what I was learning but also I loved the ‘freedom’ that came with college. In college I felt as though my teachers were my friends and I had so much support from them.
After this course, I am taking a gap-year. To get into Air Traffic Control I need an apprenticeship so I’m working very hard towards getting an ATC apprenticeship and I feel as though my teachers have helped me with that and helped me to understand the apprenticeship process. Currently I am working as a model just to make money in the meantime, hopefully to travel in 2027 (of course I love to travel).
Experience at College:
What I most enjoyed about my course honestly was the coursework, I know it sounds a bit nerdy, but I feel as though the coursework was actually fun to do. Writing the different reports and PowerPoints was super fun when I was doing it about something I enjoyed. But I also really enjoyed the lessons with my teachers. Because it was fun and like I said before, it felt like the teachers were my friends rather than just teachers.
My tutors supported me by always answering any questions about my coursework, helping me when times become a bit tough outside of college and being really motivational and pushing me to do my best all the time.
Real-World Learning:
On this course, I went to the British Airways headquarters and to Brooklands Museum which was super fun. Getting work experience at British Airways will help me so much in the future with future jobs in Aviation; I am extremely grateful for this experience.
Advice to New Students:
If you are thinking of doing Aviation at Kingston College I would say, go for it! The Aviation department is one of the best in the college (the best I would say!) and you will be working alongside classmates who have the exact same passions and goals as you. In my class there were a few student pilots and classmates who actually had jobs at the airports. But don’t let this intimidate you! This is how you learn and gain knowledge!! Because Aviation Operations is such a ‘niche’ college course you will be with people who genuinely enjoy Aviation and it is definitely worth it. I recommend this course/college because the department, tutors and experience you will get doing Aviation at Kingston is unlike no other, you will be set-up for life for a future in Aviation. Especially if you don’t have an Aviation background (like me) starting your passion at 16 rather than going into it blind at 18 or after university is so much better. Since the course delves into so many different aspects of Aviation and all the while you are doing Travel & Tourism, you can literally go into any Aviation jJob and you’re setup for it.
