Looking for a new job can be daunting at any time, and for the pilots who’ve been left with no work after the Thomas Cook collapse, overcoming the shock of what has happened is an added challenge.  Our members at this stressful time are supported by the BALPA careers team.

When we heard the news that Thomas Cook had collapsed, BALPA was ready to immediately offer our pilots every assistance in helping secure a new job as quickly as possible.

We contacted airlines to identify and secure recruitment opportunities and rolled out a full bespoke programme of training to ensure our Thomas Cook members have the tools they needed to attend interview and assessment days. You can read more about some of the specific help we have given Thomas Cook pilots here.

But it is not just in a tragedy that BALPA’s Career Services can help. We work tirelessly to ensure ALL our members have everything they need, whenever they are considering career options. Be it help getting that first job, to considering options mid-career or looking towards retirement- BALPA has it covered.

In just over a week; BALPA members have the chance to really get to grips with what the job market looks like right now.  Our Flight Crew Futures event takes place on Wednesday 16th October at the Hilton London Gatwick from 1000-1600 and is free to BALPA Members.

Airlines in attendance include Emirates, Wizz Air, Swoop, West Atlantic and Spring Japan, all of which are actively recruiting now.   There will also be various training organisations exhibiting; including Simtech, FlightSafety International, FTE Jerez and Leading Edge. Some of these are recruiting and offering further training and will be there alongside recruitment companies that are keen to meet with you, including Goose Recruitment, OSM Aviation, Rishworth and Nobox Pilot Solutions.

A BALPA team will of course be there to offer support and guidance too. It is free to attend, but you must register.

These are just a few examples of the ongoing assistance BALPA is offering pilots who are weighing up job options. We also run regular training courses and have a unique ‘Crew Connected’ service, available to all job seeking members, which puts people directly in touch with pilots at other airlines, who can provide guidance and interview support.

If you need any advice or information about getting or changing jobs make sure BALPA’s Membership and Career Services team is your first port of call. We look forward to supporting you.