What are you doing now?
I am training at Oxford Aviation Academy, on an MPL Airline licence, with sponsorship from EasyJet aiming to be a First Officer Co-Pilot flying European routes with EasyJet.
What route did you take to this point?
I chose Maths, Physics, Psychology and English Literature for A Levels, I also was a member of the Air Cadets, where my biggest achievement was being accepted onto the gliding scholarship and received my gliding wings from this ten day course.
Following my A Levels, I attended Brunel University (West London) where I studied Aviation Engineering with Pilot Studies (BEng), which allowed me to work towards my Private Pilot Licence as well as receiving a Bachelor Engineering degree. Having finished University with a 2:1, I applied for the EasyJet MPL course.
Any significant crossroads?
Following my graduation from Brunel University, I spent a year researching the options for my career. The investment is £90,000 so I wanted to make sure that I was going to go down the route that was going to work for me. I was unsure of what scheme, if any, was more suitable for me. I finally made the decision that the EasyJet route was more applicable for what I wanted from my career. Their training programme is the top rated in the industry, with many other airlines directly sourcing their pilots from EasyJet. Based on the quality of training and the opportunities for progression, I applied for them and was fortunate enough to pass the selection process first time around.
Significant decisions you had to make?
This career requires many serious decisions. I had to make sure at 16 that this was definitely the career for me before I made my investment into university. The financial investment into commercial training is not an easy decision. However, the rewards as working as an Airline Pilot exceed the financial input at the beginning.
What is good about what your career offers you?
Since a child, I have always wanted to be an Airline Pilot. I have never wanted a routine 9 – 5, Monday- Friday job, and my career offers far from this! It offers me the chance to travel the world and sit in my office at 35,000 feet with the best views on the plane.
Any fond memories of school you can share?
These were easily the best years of my life. My favourite memories were Duke of Edinburgh and Ten Tors (35 and 45 miles), as I have always taken a keen interest in outdoor activities. I always took part in extra curriculum activities at school and was very honoured when I was awarded the Melvin Holmes Trophy at Speech Day because of the many charity events I used to hold. Over the years at DHSB, I made friends which will be my friends for life, despite our separated career paths.
Most challenging year whilst at DHSB?
Year 13 was my most challenging year. However, I was fortunate to have extremely supportive teachers throughout A Levels, with whom I was able to achieve the grades that I required. Saying goodbye to teachers and friends who you have known since 11 years old was also tough in Year 13.
Advice for students with us now?
I’d strongly recommend that you get involved with as many extra curriculum activities as you possibly can! Not only will you find that these will make you very employable, but your fondest memories will be made with any activities that you proactively get involved with your friends. I’d also strongly advise anyone to join the Air Cadets, regardless of your career choices, you gain many life lessons and experiences from them!