Hello, I am Nick Bridges and I am currently employed for JetBlue for Ground Operations. I started working here about 6 months ago but have been in the industry for about 2 years by now. I started working at Logan to pay my way through business school but quickly realized that was not the path I wanted to go down. So after my employment began at JetBlue I dropped out of college and started to focus on my flight aspirations. I am 20 years old now and about halfway through my PPL. After a year of employment here, I have the opportunity to join a mentorship program that offers guidance and a guaranteed interview once all prerequisites are met. Though this is an awesome opportunity, I am a bit skeptical of the interview aspect. Ideally, I’d like to start at ATP as soon as I can but would waive my eligibility for the mentorship program. I am curious, though I’d have a guarantee at an interview, will I actually be hired? Or am I better off working my way through ATP and regional airlines, then applying for other major airlines once I have sufficient experience?
Your call and know there are no guarantees of employment with any route. First if your aspirations are to work for a Major you will need a 4yr degree so that’s something to keep in mind. I’m not that familiar with the JetBlue program but what I do know is a) it’s expensive (over $100k) and b) I don’t like putting all my eggs in 1 basket. ATP will get you to an airline faster and at half the price and you’ll have a number of options where to go not to mention the opportunity to receive tuition reimbursement. Unless there’s something else they’re offering something else I’m missing I’d say pass.
JetBlue is a great place to work, but they are certainly not considered a top major airline. In fact, many pilots end up leaving them for the more traditional legacy carries of American, Delta and United because the contracts are so much more mature.
I would be skeptical of a program that was so expensive and limited you to just one airline. That being said, I am no expert on the program and can’t really speak to its benefits.