A team of British Airways (BA) apprentices at Heathrow have reached the final of the Brathway Apprentice Challenge 2014.           

The nine-strong group are among eight finalists, from more than 100 entries, in the battle to be crowned apprentice team of the year.

The challenge is based on proving team building, leadership, logistical and communications abilities.

Francesca Catling, 19, from Hillingdon, a member of the apprentice team, is thrilled to be in the final.

She said: “Joining the British Airways’ apprenticeship scheme has been a very valuable experience for me and reaching the final of the competition is the icing on the cake.

“I would encourage other school leavers to investigate the opportunities offered by apprenticeships – its really allowed my career to take-off!”

So far the BA team have been commended for their voluntary work at a care home in Kingston, a community clean-up and planting project in Harefield following recent storms, and organising a charity comedy event hosted by EastEnders’ Shane Ritchie, as well as attending careers fairs and speaking at schools about the benefits of apprenticeships.

The competition will end with a series of challenges at Brathay Trust’s Windermere headquarters, followed by the announcement of the team of the year, on June 11.

Keith Williams, British Airways’ CEO said he was proud of the team.

This year the airline will employ 185 apprentices in a range of areas from engineering and operations to IT and finance.