Cabin crew

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 like a Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Air Cabin Crew, or study a cabin crew module as part of a broader travel and tourism course.

Entry requirements:

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

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing a cabin crew advanced apprenticeship.

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

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You could apply directly to airlines for a cabin crew job. Entry requirements vary but good customer service skills will be expected.

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

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

What you'll do:

Air cabin crew help make sure that airline passengers have a comfortable, safe and pleasant flight.

Before a flight you could:

• attend a staff meeting about the route and schedule
• check supplies on the plane and make sure emergency equipment is working properly
• greet passengers and check documents
• demonstrate emergency equipment and procedures

During a flight, you might:

• make sure passengers are comfortable and respond to any requests
• serve food and drinks, and sell duty-free items
• make announcements
• reassure passengers in the event of an emergency, and make sure they follow safety procedures

At the end of a flight you'll often:

• make sure passengers leave the plane safely
• write a flight report, including details about any unusual incidents
• add up and record food and drink orders, and duty-free sales

Location : You could work on an aircraft.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding and cramped.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £15,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

30 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Career Path:

With experience, you could progress to cabin crew supervisor or a senior air cabin crew role.

You could also work in a ground-based job, like cabin crew training, recruitment, passenger services, marketing or sales.