This is commonly possible Skills, qualities and evidence of interest in flying are more important than qualifications once minimum entry requirements of 5 GCSEs including Maths, English and Physics have been met. Experience Pre-entry experience is not needed Special entry requirements Accurate colour vision and unrestricted right to live and work in the UK are essential. Often height and age restrictions apply. You must be under 26 for the British Airways training scheme. Competition Extremely competitive.
Few airlines offer sponsored training.
There has been a surplus of qualified pilots. This surplus is becoming a shortage over the next few years due to demographic reasons. Read relevant press extensively eg Flight International. Could obtain a private or commercial pilot's licence via an approved school. But note prohibitive cost.