• 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

Working at Airports

The Work

Working in the aviation world is exciting, interesting and very hard work. There are over 100,000 people working in this industry in Britain, plus another 250,000 in support services.

Despite such figures it is often very difficult to find information relating to airport careers and even more difficult to find employment.

The range of jobs is very wide, from engineering to cleaning or security work. Most jobs involve shift work and will require a good standard of literacy and numeracy. Some technical roles may require 'A' Levels or degree level qualifications.

Typical occupations that can be found at airports include:

• 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

Skills and Personal Attributes

Working at an airport involves dealing with the general public. Airports and airlines require people who have a preference and aptitude for customer-focused employment. You will need to have:

• Excellent customer service skills.
• A smart appearance-sometimes a uniform is worn.
• Clear and articulate speech.
• Keyboard skills and experience with computers.
• Experience of working directly with the public, perhaps in reception, clerical or retail work.
• The ability to cope with a great deal of pressure.
• Good practical skills.
• Team work skills.
• Flexibility-be prepared to work unsocial hours.

Entry Requirements

Different employers at airports have various entry requirements depending upon the nature of the role.

Technical jobs will require academic qualifications and/or relevant training and experience.

However, formal qualifications are not always essential, particularly for adults with relevant skills and experience.

A five-year checkable work history.

Pass a full and strict criminal record check

For more detailed information relating to entry requirements for specific occupational areas please contact: Directions Finningley on 01302 623300 to book an appointment.

Training

This can be undertaken on-the-job at the airport or prior to commencing employment at an employers training centre.

For young people, there are opportunities to do Advanced Apprenticeships leading to NVQ Level 3, across a range of occupations within the aviation sector.

NVQs include controlling airport operations, coordinating airside ramp operations, providing air passenger ticketing services and handling aircraft passengers.

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