Building a future ready workforce
Client Profile
Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, with innovation and amazing customer service at its core. In 2024, Virgin Atlantic was voted Britain’s only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the eighth year running in the Official Airline Ratings. It employs 8,500 people worldwide, flying customers to 30 destinations across four continents throughout the year.
“The idea of lifelong learning, being curious and growing is the foundation of everything we do at Virgin Atlantic, because it helps us make the best decision we can. And from our own research, we discovered apprentices are 2x more likely to move jobs internally or get a promotion because of the intensity and relevance of learning.”
Abbie Simmonds, Head of Learning, Virgin Atlantic
“Until I did the course, I don’t think I realised how relevant data is in everything. Whereas before I thought, ‘data is just zeros and ones’. The apprenticeship has really opened my eyes.”
Helen Berry, Executive Assistant at Virgin Atlantic
“Cambridge Spark really 'get' what we do. They got to know our culture, how we work in different areas, and took a real interest in what we do to make learning meaningful. Also, they got to know our people and offered coaching and technical support, which the apprentices report helped them complete training and activate learning in their role.”
Suzi George, Manager of Apprenticeships and Skills, Virgin Atlantic
Demanding more to become better, every day
Apprenticeship programmes have empowered people with the skills to identify and implement different use cases for new technologies, so they can work with autonomy and are less reliant on leaders to dictate outcomes.
Graduates on Cambridge Spark apprenticeship programmes also achieved 83% merit and distinction grades – well above the industry average of 33%.
Before enrolling on an apprenticeship, Cambridge Spark uses a strong application process to ensure the right learners are placed on the right programme.
Additionally, Virgin Atlantic meets with each learner to ensure they know what to expect from their programme, feel prepared, and are motivated to see their study through to completion, so they can reap the benefits
41% of apprentices receive a promotion or move roles within the business, during or within a year of completing their programme.
“Virgin Atlantic encourages everyone to be the best versions of themselves and the apprenticeships are a great way to do that. I've learned so many core skills about how to work with data. And the course has helped me solve so many problems, as well as automating manual tasks so I can focus my time and energy elsewhere. Personally, it's given me more confidence. And I was nominated for apprentice of the year, which I was very flattered and surprised about. I've also recently got a promotion because I've been able to show I can take on more."
Ettie Bashford, Senior Health Officer, Virgin Atlantic
“Now Virgin Atlantic has a portfolio of 45 programmes at 3 levels, across 4 areas: data & tech, management & leadership, people programmes, and specialisms. At any one time there are 120 apprentices. And about 100 of those apprentices are upskilling or retraining – so we’re offering degree-level programmes to all employees, not just those fresh out of university."
Abbie Simmonds, Head of Learning, Virgin Atlantic