• Air Traffic Control Assistant
• Air Traffic Controller
• Air Traffic Engineer
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
• Aircraft Refueller
• Airfield Operations
• Airline Pilot
• Airport Cleaner
• Aviation Security Officers
• Baggage Handler
• Cabin Crew
• Cargo Agent
• Customs and Excise Officers
• Firefighter
• Immigration Officers
• Information Desk Assistants
• Passenger Service Agents (check-in)
• Retail Sales Assistants
• Terminal Duty Manager
• Working at Airports

Airport Cleaner

The Work

Cleaning an airport is a 24 hour job and you will have to be willing to work various shifts as part of a large team.

Cleaners work in all areas of the airport including the terminal building, departure lounges, offices, retail outlets and the concourse.

Cleaners also have a crucial role on the aircraft. As soon as an aircraft lands and passengers are cleared, cleaners move on to the aircraft and will have to complete all cleaning work, often in less than 20 minutes, before the next passengers arrive.

It is necessary to work to the customers specifications while abiding by the relevant airport's safety laws and company policies.

Cleaners are required to carry out weekly sterilisation duties and complete the necessary documentation.

When working with the aircraft you will need to develop an understanding of portable water drain/fill procedures (including frost) for all types of aircraft at the airport.

You will also be required to prepare stores, vehicles and supplies carts to complete various cleaning duties.

Under supervision you may be required to undertake 'secure cleans' to a high standard using approved cleaning materials and equipment.

Skills and Personal Attributes

• Safety conscious with a basic understanding of health and safety, including safe use of industrial cleaning materials, chemicals and equipment
• Able to work to tight deadlines in a busy environment
• Self disciplined and adaptable
• Team player
• Communication skills are needed particularly a good standard of spoken English
• Willing to work shifts
• Be physically fit and able to lift 25lb weights

Entry Requirements

• Usually there are no special educational qualifications required to work in cleaning
• Some cleaners are required to have a driving licence
• An employee needs to be fit enough for the work
• You must be a fast learner, work well in a team and also work unsupervised at times
• You must be physically fit and if working on aircraft able to work in confined spaces
• Cleaning personnel are expected to be polite, have a mature and practical manner
• Smart appearance and common sense are essential
• A 5 year checkable work history
• You will need to pass a full and strict criminal record check

Training and Opportunities

Some cleaning companies, contractors or employers offer a career structure for their cleaning staff. This can include promotion to supervisor responsible for the work of a team of cleaners or management of a major cleaning contract.

For some specialist cleaning roles including high level window cleaning there is often some training required. For example The Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) certificates rope access courses. In this role window cleaners may require training in the use of power-operated access equipment or abseiling techniques.

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