Virgin Atlantic builds future-proof talent through apprenticeships | News

Breaking Travel News spoke to Becky Woodmansee to explore how Virgin Atlantic is building future-proof talent through apprenticeships, and what this means for the wider aviation sector at a time of rapid skills transformation. Watch her answer to our questions about this innovative program and its benefits in the exclusive interview below.
As Chief People Officer, Becky is responsible for ensuring Virgin Atlantic’s people thrive at work by creating inclusive experiences that energize teams, uphold colleague happiness and drive performance, helping the airline achieve its vision of being the most loved travel company.

1. National Apprenticeship Week 2026 focuses on “Improving Your Skills. Empowering Your Future.” How does this theme reflect Virgin Atlantic’s long-term people and talent strategy?

The theme ‘Fueling your skills. Powering your future’ perfectly reflects how we think about learning and development at Virgin Atlantic. We believe that everyone should be able to take on the world – regardless of their starting point. Our long-term strategy for people is about creating accessible, meaningful pathways to great careers, and apprenticeships are a key part of that. They enable people to earn while they learn, gain nationally recognized qualifications and build confidence through practical experience.

2. Virgin Atlantic now supports more than 150 active apprenticeships across 45 programmes. What skills do you see as most crucial for the next generation of aviation professionals?

Strong technical skills will always be essential in aviation – especially in engineering and operations – but the skills landscape is evolving. As a company driven by innovation, we are increasingly focused on digital trust, data literacy and the ability to work with emerging technologies such as AI, which are transforming the way we plan, operate and serve our customers. In addition, human skills are of great importance. Curiosity, resilience, teamwork, and a willingness to keep learning are critical to delivering the thoughtful, trustworthy experiences we’re known for. Our internship programs are designed to develop both: combining structured learning with real responsibility in the workplace.

3. With 80% of your Engineering Leadership Team starting as apprentices or graduates, what does this say about apprenticeships as a pathway to senior leadership?

Apprenticeships provide a powerful foundation for long-term career development and leadership, reinforced by the fact that 80% of our technical leadership team started as apprentices. Many of our technical leaders started their careers through practical, hands-on routes that allowed them to build deep operational knowledge over time. That experience creates leaders who understand the realities of operations and the value of learning on the job. It reinforces our belief that apprenticeships are not just an alternative to university; they provide a credible and effective path to higher, influential positions.

4. How important is early exposure, such as hangar visits and immersive training experiences, for building confidence and ambition among youth and families?

Aviation can be exciting, but out of reach for many young people, especially if they don’t see clear, traditional routes. Opening our hangars and training centers will help change that perception. When you see engineers working on airplanes, step into a simulator, or hear from someone who started as an apprentice, a career feels attainable. It builds trust, sparks curiosity and helps families and young people understand the breadth of opportunities available.

5. Aviation is becoming increasingly data and technology driven. How are apprenticeships evolving to reflect areas such as AI, advanced engineering and future activities?

Our apprenticeship offer has evolved significantly to reflect the future skills our sector needs. In addition to our core engineering programs, we have developed a Future Skills cohort that brings together data, digital and AI-focused apprenticeships. These programs are about practical application: using technology responsibly, improving productivity and supporting smarter decision-making. By combining ‘on-the-job’ learning with structured development, we equip people with skills that remain relevant as aviation continues to evolve.

6. Apprenticeships at Virgin Atlantic now reflect a 50/50 split between men and women. What has driven this progress and what lessons can others learn from your approach?

Virgin Atlantic’s 50/50 gender split on apprenticeship intake is the result of the intentional way we design and promote our programs. We focus on potential, values ​​and attitude rather than background, and we actively challenge outdated perceptions about who a career in aviation is for. Inclusion is part of who we are; “Be yourself” is a key value at Virgin Atlantic. From inclusive uniforms to tattoo policies to our Scarlett women’s network and targeted female leadership development programs, we’ve worked hard to create an environment where everyone feels at home.

7. Looking ahead, how do you see the role of employers changing in shaping education, skills and alternative routes to high-quality careers?

As the world of work changes, it is critical that employers provide meaningful learning opportunities to consistently develop colleagues’ skills. By investing in apprenticeships, fully funding training and working with trusted learning providers, employers can help create clear pathways to fulfilling, long-lasting careers.

8. Finally, what message would you most like young people, parents and teachers to take away from Virgin Atlantic’s National Apprenticeship Week event this year?

I would like our National Apprenticeship Week activity to let people know that there is no one path to success. Apprenticeships provide a powerful way to learn, earn money and build a career at the same time – with real support along the way. By opening our doors during National Apprenticeship Week, we wanted to show that careers in aviation are accessible, rewarding and full of opportunity.

BTN would like to thank Becky and the team at Virgin Atlantic for their assistance with the above.