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Heathrow Engineering Virtual Work Experience Programme

Experience overview

On average there are roughly 1,300 take-offs and landings every day at Heathrow, making it one of the busiest airports in the world. So it comes as no surprise that complex engineering projects help the airport run smoothly. There are loads of systems to maintain, whether it’s something we have in our own homes like water and electricity, albeit at Heathrow there on an industrial scale or systems like security, which are constantly being updated with new tech. In this virtual work experience programme, we’re taking a look behind the scenes to see the thought and scale behind these projects.

What’s included?

In this virtual work experience programme, you’ll get a behind the scenes look at engineering at Heathrow Airport. This programme looks at the extensive opportunities an engineering career at Heathrow can provide, from rail apprenticeship placements to airside health and safety training. You’ll take part in quizzes and thought-provoking activities, we’ll also encourage you to do your own research to find out what specialism of engineering is right for you.

All students are eligible to participate in the programmme.

Certificate of completion

Approximately 10 hours to complete

Attend live webinars

Complete at a pace that suits you

Introduction to Heathrow

In this introductory module, we’ll hear all about Heathrow’s story, including its history, what it does now and what it wants to look like in the future. We’ll cover topics such as who does what at Heathrow and how to predict and meet future challenges.

Industry Introduction

Rail

This module will take you through the necessary first steps for a successful career in rail. You will learn all about the importance of rail for Heathrow specifically, and have the opportunity to attend a Tour of the Track Transit System (TTS) workshop. The live webinar will give you the opportunity to ask the industry professionals any burning questions, while our TTS activity will put your knowledge of rail health and safety to the test. All aboard!

Terminals: Infrastructure & Security

Airside & Infrastructure

Be immersed in the Heathrow passenger journey in this next module. A rundown of all things airside and infrastructure will see an introduction to control towers, ground power units and aircraft stands. Up for a challenge? Get problem solving with this module’s activity, and come up with an innovative way to process dirty water at Heathrow. Another live webinar gives you an amazing opportunity to consult Team Heathrow.

Employability

Available dates

To ensure that you get the very best experience, the number of places on each programme is limited. Apply soon to avoid missing your place. Good luck!

March

2023

Programme dates: 27th March - 31st March

Application deadline: 31st March

Apply Now

What students say

“Thank you for taking the time to create this programme. The volunteers on the live sessions were all really nice and down to earth which was really good to hear proper experiences in this industry, without sugar coating or hiding anything. To the people who made this project brief and stuff for us: I really enjoyed it and I thought it was the perfect topic and it's nice to bring more awareness and knowledge of this subject to more people! Also all the videos were really nice on this programme. Very full of life and engaging!”

Rhea

“Thank you for providing an opportunity for young people like me who had no previous exposure to the industry/ This programme has some great elements that differentiates itself from other work experience providers. The programme particularly focuses on ourselves: our confidence, our skills and what we want to do in the future rather than just the work opportunities available and how to get there. I've really enjoyed this programme and hope there would be more opportunities in this specific field”

Ci

“Thank you very much for this experience. This sector sounds fascinating and I will definitely explore more. During and after lockdown, my opportunities for work experience were completely erased. But thank to this wonderful virtual work experience, I am able to gather crucial experience to write down on my CV and personal statement. Thank you once again!”

Evan

Ready to find out if this is right for you?