• 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

Retail Sales Assistant

The Work

Approximately one in nine people in the UK work in the retail industry.

The modern retail sector relies heavily on retail/sales assistants. These people have direct contact with the customer and are the public face of the retail industry.

Some retail outlets are regularly seen at airports these include Boots, WH Smith and Tie Rack.

Retail Assistants are also required to work in the airport duty-free shop. The work includes giving information and advice to customers, handling cash and other forms of payments, as well as stocking and displaying goods.

The work can involve both the routine and the unexpected. When working in a busy airport there is always the possibility of having to deal with stressed, tired and complaining customers.

You need to be aware of health and safety and security issues particular to airports.

Skills and Personal Attributes

• Friendly and helpful personality
• Confident
• Numerate and literate
• Good communication skills
• Able to work under pressure
• Smart appearance
• Good team player
• Trustworthy

Entry Requirements

There are normally no formal entry requirements although some companies may ask for 2 GCSEs grades A-C or require them to take a test in basic maths and english.

You will need to pass a full and strict criminal record check.

Training

In a retail environment most training will take place on the job.

Large companies provide induction training which may look at the business, your role within it and health and safety at work.

Some employees attend college courses to take relevant qualifications such as NVQs in Retail Operations or Customer Care.

There may be accredited in-house training or NVQ training.

Apprenticeships for 16-19 year olds are often available leading to NVQs at Levels 2 and 3.

Hours

Full time, part time, temporary and seasonal work is available in the airport retail industry.

The work will be based on a 24 hour rota including bank holidays and weekends.

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