EasyJet reopens graduate scheme after Covid hiatus

EasyJet has reopened a scheme to attract graduates after a three year hiatus due to the pandemic.

The initiative is designed to fast track university graduates into key roles covering engineering, finance and management.

It has been re-established amid forecasts projecting that the industry will need another 1.3 million new aviation professionals in the next ten years on top of existing recruitment opportunities.

The ‘Project Runway’ programme took on 16 students for 2023 and is now calling for more applicants in January for this year.

The aim is to accelerate their career prospects in leadership roles as well as highlight the diversity of roles beyond frontline airline operations including pilots, cabin crew and ground handling.

Graduates entering the engineering programme were required to have an engineering degree. 

However, the finance and management programmes will be filled by graduates with a range of degrees including modern languages, art history and visual culture with history and modern history and politics from the universities of Exeter, Birmingham and Manchester respectively plus others.

The cohort will spend two years rotating through a series of placements for different career ‘runways’ including management and engineering after a four-week induction.

Those taking up the finance option will spend a total of three years rotating different roles within that career path.

Group people director Jane Storm said: “We are thrilled to be relaunching our Runway management programme and incorporating our engineering and finance programmes under the same initiative for final-year students from across the UK. 

“This programme offers a comprehensive insight into the company, with the opportunity to learn more about customer experience from our front-line roles in cabin crew and pilots, as well as the diverse roles offered by the company.

“As well as getting a hands-on experience of different roles with the organisation, the students will also receive mentoring, coaching and training workshops – partnered with the chance to work across teams with senior stakeholders, giving them a true first-hand experience living the orange spirit here at easyJet.”

Head of learning, talent development & engagement Sam Screpis added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for all successful candidates to get stuck in and experience the innermost workings of EasyJet.

“We are looking forward to welcoming candidates to Hanger 89, our corporate HQ at Luton airport whereby they will have access to the most senior people within our business – giving them the chance to flourish and contribute to the business along with support from peers and mentors.”