“The flexibility and freedom to explore different projects and departments are invaluable.”
Management Traineeship at Brussels Airport Company
Elevate your career!
Tired of theoretical job descriptions? We get it! Let’s dive into the day-to-day life of one of our management trainees at Brussels Airport Company. On this page, Wouter will give you insights into his assignments, the company culture, and the guidance of Ormit Talent, providing concrete examples of the added value of this program. Discover how this traineeship helps BAC become a connected economic hub and how it helps you to understand your added value and career perspectives within the company.
Hi, I’m Wouter!
Let me take you through my journey so far. First up: My decision to join the traineeship.
I have always been interested in working within the aviation sector, even if I wasn’t sure which role I wanted to pursue. For me, the pieces fell into place when I discovered the management traineeship. Showing me they are open for more than airport experts; BAC is really looking for talents with an interest in the sector and a willingness to learn. The traineeship provides me with career direction while keeping many doors open to discover.
Let’s dive into my journey so far
Within the traineeship, you’ll rotate between three roles and departments, such as Finance & Procurement, Cargo & Logistics, and Real Estate, giving you the opportunity to discover all parts of their economic hub. Every manager can submit a vacancy for a new management trainee, creating a wide range of projects to choose from. In the matching conversation with HR, we discuss my interests and development points, and HR then tries to match me with the right project. I always feel that BAC gives me the freedom to try and discover, and on top of that, there is your coach at Ormit Talent that helps you in this decision so you pick a project that will challenge you as well.
Project One: Analyst – Technology & Infrastructure
September 2023 – April 2024 (8 months)
Added value: The perfect starting point to discover the culture and way of working within Brussels Airport Company. I interacted with many colleagues, learned how to collaborate with teams, and discovered the IT department.
Responsibilities: Building and rolling out dashboards within the ICT department, incorporating change management and knowledge management, developing models to estimate future ICT resources, and creating new project management methodologies.
Project Two: Process Manager Continuous Improvement – Passenger Aviation
May 2024 – December 2024 (8 months)
Added value: Working on passenger processes was incredibly rewarding. I focused on boosting efficiency and improving the passenger experience, gaining valuable insights into airport operations and embracing a mindset of continuous improvement.
Responsibilities: Enhancing various passenger processes at the airport (check-in, security screening, border control, onboarding), with a primary focus on supporting duty managers to ensure efficient passenger flow throughout the entire airport.
Project Three: To be determined
January 2025 – August 2025 (8 months)
We are encouraged to explore and find a project that excites us. It’s up to us to find an assignment by talking to managers and gathering possibilities. This freedom is invaluable for personal and professional growth. Although I aim to work as a project manager at BAC, they recommend doing a final project in a different area to broaden my experience.
Curious about my week planning? Here’s an example:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
| 9:00 – 10:00 | Team meeting in the Passenger Aviation department to discuss project updates and priorities. |
| 10:00 – 11:00 | Gemba walk through the airport to look for issues. |
| 11:00 – 12:00 | Review feedback from previous initiatives and update project plans. |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch break with a view on the tarmac. |
| 13:00 – 17:00 | Analyze check-in process data and identify areas for improvement. |
| 9:00 – 12:00 | Conduct stakeholder interviews to gather insights on the check-in process. |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch break with other trainees, sharing experiences and insights. |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Coffee with business mentor to discuss progress and career goals. |
| 14:00 – 17:00 | Focus time for process improvement tasks. |
| 9:30 – 17:30 | Ormit Talent training on situational leadership with trainees working at other companies |
| 9:00 – 10:00 | Implement new strategies learned in the training. |
| 10:00 – 12:00 | Deep dive into project tasks, meeting stakeholders to align on goals. |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch break at home. |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Coaching session with Yannick |
| 14:00 – 17:00 | Continue working on process improvements based on feedback. |
| 18:00 – 22:00 | Ormeet-Up with my colleagues from Ormit Talent to stay updated on overall business performance & new initiatives. |
| 9:00 – 10:00 | Baggage system issues – All hands on deck! |
| 10:00 – 12:00 | Debrief on baggage issues to improve processes |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch break in the airport terminal |
| 13:00 – 16:00 | Personal learning: online training or reading on a new topic |
| 16:00 – 17:00 | Reflect on the week’s progress and prepare next week’s meetings |
Why you should become my colleague
Company culture
Similar to consultancy
I hesitated to become a consultant, but this program offers a similar experience. You get different assignments but as an internal employee.
Every pair of hands counts
A problem with the baggage system, resulting in manual sorting? Everyone, regardless of their role, comes together to solve the issue.
Best of both worlds
Training, events, and coaching at two companies. With a focus on personal development at Ormit Talent and business growth at Brussels Airport Company.
The collaboration with Ormit Talent
Ormit Talent offers a different environment and perspective. We can attend training sessions, share ideas & insights with management trainees from other programs.
Fixed Contract & Benefits
Sign a direct contract with BAC, enjoy a work environment with a view of the tarmac and the millions of passengers, hybrid working, and benefits linked to traveling.
Lastly, our golden tips for when you apply
Show clear motivation
“You don’t need to be an aviation expert to work at BAC. Show your passion and eagerness to learn,” – Wouter
Be authentic
“Be authentic and courageous in your application. Remember, you are here to grow and discover,” – Elsabé
Embrace learning
“Accept that you’re not perfect. The goal of a traineeship is to grow and discover more about yourself.” – Wouter
Recap: The traineeship in short
Explore BAC
Rotate through three missions (of 8 months) across departments like Cargo & Logistics, Operations, PMO, and Technology & Infrastructure. This hands-on experience allows you to discover and engage with different facets of BAC.
Grow as a future manager
With the guidance of Ormit Talent, you’ll benefit from over 20 days of leadership and people skills training, alongside personalized coaching. Guiding you in your reflections and personal development.
Immediate impact
You’ll help Brussels Airport Company to become a fully connected economic hub, diversify its business model linked to people, cargo & logistics, data & digital and to become more sustainable.
A job you love at BAC
You directly get a fixed contract at Brussels Airport Company, so yes, they see a future for you beyond these 2 years! After discovering what you like, you’ll have the opportunity to secure a role you love within the company. With a fast track to a managerial role as well.
Ready to make Brussels Airport Company a little better every day while focusing on your own development and energizers? Time to join Wouter! Apply now!
Questions? Just ask our recruiter Ann, or send a message to Wouter on LinkedIn. They will be happy to have a chat.
