Airport baggage handler

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant courses include the Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Aviation Environment.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You could train for this role through an intermediate apprenticeship as an aviation ground operative or an aviation ground handler.

This will usually take 12 months to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time at a college or training provider.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

DirectApplication

There are no specific entry requirements but some employers may prefer you to have a few GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), particularly in maths and English.

Experience of warehouse work and an LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) or forklift truck licence could be helpful when applying directly for this role.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• customer service skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work on your own
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• a desire to help people
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of English language
• thinking and reasoning skills
• concentration skills
• active listening skills
• physical fitness and endurance
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• leadership skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits

What you'll do:

Airport baggage handlers load and unload luggage and cargo from aircraft.

You could:

• transfer luggage from check-in areas to departure areas
• make sure luggage gets onto the right plane
• move luggage to and from aircraft holds using trucks, cargo loaders and conveyor systems
• store cargo in warehouses
• load luggage onto conveyors in the arrivals hall
• report baggage that's damaged or suspicious

Location : You could work on an aircraft, at an airport or in a warehouse.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

Salary:

Starter : £15,000
Experienced : £28,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

44 - 46 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could work as a 'lead ramp hand', lining up planes ready for the next flight. You could also train staff on equipment and procedures.

You could move into supervisory management or passenger handling operations.